Goa Commission Addresses Child Rights Infractions at Construction Site
The Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) has taken decisive action in response to the tragic abuse and subsequent death of a 5-year-old girl at the New Vaddem Vasco construction site. This event has brought to light the appalling and severe living conditions endured by children and their families at this location. It has come to the attention of the Commission that several infractions of the 1996 Buildings and Other Construction Workers Act are in contravention.
As a legally mandated statutory body, the GSCPCR is entrusted with the responsibility of monitoring the protection of children’s rights and investigating complaints alleging violations. The commission has scheduled a critical hearing for May 2, 2024, which will include the Chief Labor Commissioner and the Managing Director of Ambiance Real Estate Developers, to thoroughly examine the violations and ensure prompt corrective actions are implemented. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the violation in detail and make sure that thorough corrective action is taken right away.
Chairperson Mr. Peter F. Borges strongly condemned the abuse and neglect discovered during the inspections. He stated, “Defending our children’s rights is more than just an act of kindness; it is ingrained in the legal system and permeates every aspect of our society. We now have a situation where our kids are fighting for their lives in dangerous living circumstances rather than having fun and learning.”
Mr. Borges added, “Under our supervision, this cannot and will not continue. The most defenseless people in our society should not be treated with such flagrant contempt. This Commission will guarantee justice and accountability.”
The Chairperson's visit to the construction site uncovered dire circumstances.
Key Violations Discovered
- Unsafe Living Conditions: Children and their families were found living in precarious conditions within makeshift housing constructed from potentially hazardous materials, lacking basic utilities. Basic amenities like access to clean drinking water and sanitation were absent. This put the families at a significant health risk.
- Lack of Creche Facilities: The site exhibited a blatant disregard for the provision of creche facilities, which are essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of children of construction workers. This legal requirement was completely ignored by the management.
- General Safety Violations: The overall safety of the site was compromised due to the absence of basic sanitation measures and injury prevention protocols. Workers and their families were exposed to numerous hazards, creating a high-risk environment.
The hearing will delve into each of these issues extensively. The responsible parties are required to submit a detailed report outlining corrective measures and plans to improve the current conditions. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in stringent legal action under applicable statutes.
During a site inspection led by Mr. Peter F. Borges it came to light that “The victim’s family was found living in extremely inhumane conditions directly at the construction site”.