11 homeless children rescued from Old Market area in joint operation of Margao officials

Margao: In a collective effort to ensure the safety and well-being of children, a rescue operation was conducted for street children near Old Market Circle on Wednesday. The operation involved various entities including the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Fatorda Police Station, Child Welfare Committee (CWC), District Administration, Hospicio Hospital and Margao Municipal Council (MMC), working under the guidance of Supervised by Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR). Through their efforts a total of 11 children were identified and successfully rescued, who were living in dangerous conditions on the street. After the rescue, medical examination and evaluation was conducted at the South Goa District Hospital (SGDH) to evaluate the health and overall well-being of the children. The hospital provided necessary medical and logistical support during his stay. CWC will now monitor the rehabilitation and possible repatriation process. The rescued children, who are now housed in the state-run home, Apna Ghar, will receive comprehensive support including education, counseling and rehabilitation services to facilitate their successful reintegration into society with the hope of a better future. Speaking to media persons, GSCPCR Chairman Peter F Borges stressed the alignment of the rescue operation with the Supreme Court directions and the comprehensive SOP 2.0 guidelines of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). He also said that those who exploit or endanger these vulnerable children will face legal consequences. Additionally, Borges announced that these efforts will expand across Goa, making the welfare and safety of children throughout the state a continued priority. Incidentally, a campaign was also conducted at Verna traffic circle, but children were not seen there. Additional Collector-I, Shrinet Kothwale, said they would also focus on other areas where citizens have reported disturbances caused by beggars and vagrants. It may be recalled that recently, GSCPR had organized a meeting with the Superintendent of Police (SP), South Goa, to promote child protection in South Goa.