MARGAO: In a collective effort to ensure the safety and well-being of children, a rescue operation was conducted for children living on the streets near the Old Market Circle on Wednesday.
This operation involved various entities, including the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), the Fatorda Police Station, the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), the District Administration, Hospicio Hospital, and the Margao Municipal Council (MMC), working under the guidance and supervision of the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR).
Their efforts led to the identification and successful rescue of a total of 11 children who were found living in precarious street situations. Following the rescue, the children underwent medical examinations and assessments at the South Goa District Hospital (SGDH) to evaluate their health and overall well-being. The hospital provided essential medical and logistical support during his phase. The CWC will now oversee the rehabilitation and potential repatriation process. The rescued children, who are now lodged in the State-run home, Apna Ghar, will receive comprehensive support, including education, counselling, and rehabilitation services, to facilitate their successful reintegration into society with the hope of a better future.
While speaking to media persons, Peter F Borges, GSCPCR Chairperson, emphasised the rescue operation’s alignment with Supreme Court directives and the comprehensive SOP 2.0 guidelines from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). He also stated that those exploiting or endangering these vulnerable children would face legal consequences. Furthermore, Borges announced that these efforts would extend across Goa, ensuring consistent prioritisation of children’s welfare and protection throughout the State.
Incidentally, a drive was also held at the Verna traffic circle, but the children were not spotted there.
Srinet Kothwale, Additional Collector – I, stated that they will be focusing on other areas as well where citizens have reported disturbances caused by beggars and vagrants.
It may be recalled that recently, the GSCPR had organised a meeting with the South Goa Superintendent of Police (SP), South Goa, to boost child protection in South Goa.
