‘No filtered water, no gender-based segregation at Goa juvenile home’

Panaji, Sep 11 (IANS) No filtered drinking water, no outdoor activity, wet waste littered in the kitchen area and no gender segregation in Goa's government-run juvenile home 'Apna Ghar' has irked the Goa State Commission for Protection of Children's Rights.

The Commission has spelled out shortcomings at the home in its latest report.

Its annual report has also said that lack of funds has stopped repatriation of the inmates with their homes and family.

"Children do not have filtered water. They are drinking tap water and can be exposed to water-borne infections. The boys complained that they are bored as there are no activities or outdoor sports," the report released by the Commission's chairperson Sushma Kirtani said.

The report also pulled up the juvenile home, located at Merces near Panaji, for not segregating inmates as per gender and age as mandated by law, while also pointing out to other shortcomings like poorly maintained electrical fittings, and poor food quality and hygiene.

"Funds have not been received and the children in need of care and protection have, therefore, not been repatriated despite the paperwork cleared. They expressed that they would like to go home," the report states.

The Commission in its recommendations has suggested that rain water harvesting be started at the juvenile home in order to overcome the "perennial water shortage", while urging the management to teach inmates professional skills for future benefit.

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