October 23, 2017 … “The government is committed to engaging with various stakeholders at different levels,” said Vishwajit Rane, the Minister for Women and Child Development. He was speaking at the inauguration of the renovated Institutional Complex of Apna Ghar, Merces, on monday.
He added, “The work doesn’t end today after an inauguration. I will interact with the staff and all concerned to understand the functional issues they face. We are here to improve ourselves and we will work in a transparent environment. We will try to understand the working of the Apna Ghar and apply our minds and involve more voluntary organisations to help run the Apna Ghar in a proper manner.” The Minister further assured that efforts will be made to address even small issues instantly.
Apna Ghar is an institution which houses juveniles in conflict with the law and children in need of care and protection. Some of the salient features of the renovated complex include-walls clad with vitrified tiles, colourful interiors, CCTV surveillance, dormitories with attached toilets, separate kitchen and dining facilities for girls etc.
The Chairperson of Economic Development Corporation (EDC), Shri Sidharth Kuncalienker, said that the project of the complex portrayed the government’s sensitivity to addressing issues of society. He added that the complex will help to create a conducive environment to rehabilitate the children and is a beginning of a new initiative to take it to a new level.
Shri Deepak Pauskar, the MLA from Sanvordem and the Chairperson of the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) said that the complex was aesthetically designed and of a high quality infrastructure.
Shri Dipak Desai, the Director of Women and Child Development said that their aim was to set up a model Apna Ghar in the country. “We are studying different aspects and will also involve various voluntary organisations,” he said.
Also present on the occasion were Justice Pooja Kavlekar, architect, Dattaprasad Wagle among others.
