The Goa government has ruled out any violation of norms at the state-run protective home for children and juveniles 'Apna Ghar', located at Merces near here in North Goa district.
Women and Child Department Minister Vishwajit Rane tabled a status report of the Goa Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GCPCR) in the Legislative Assembly on the concluding day of the session yesterday.
As per the report, the inmates in conflict with law and those in the need of care and protection are segregated, unlike in the past when they were kept at one place.
The report stated that there was no need to provide more funds and facilities at the protection home.
"Segregation is being done, JJB (conflict with law) boys are shifted to the first floor and CWC (care and protection) boys are shifted to the ground floor age-wise in the recently inaugurated new building," the minister said.
He was responding to a query tabled by Congress MLA Antonio Caetano Fernandes.
A clutch of NGOs had recently flagged concerns over the conditions prevailing at the protection home and sought immediate action by the minister.
The NGOs had alleged that inmates were meted with ill-treatment by the staff working at Apna Ghar.
Quoting the report, Rane said though the inmates complained that they feel "bored" to stay in the facility for the entire duration, "the outdoor playground is not suitable for them for playing".
"Books are provided by a mobile library van which visits Apna Ghar premises every Monday between 3 PM and 5 PM. The proposal of installation of a television set is under consideration," he said.
As per the report, a total of seven personnel on contract have been tasked to gurad the premises round-the-clock.
"While a male intern counsellor has been appointed, the appointment of a male counsellor on a regular basis is under process," Rane said quoting the report.
The inmates are provided with proper food and they are given non-vegetarian food like fish, chicken and eggs every alternate day.
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