It is unlikely that there has been a sudden spurt in child abuse this year. The influence of western concepts of sexual perversions through TV and video has been around since the mid 1980s. The good news is that it is getting reported and action is starting in the right direction. We have a long way to go. As the good old Chinese saying goes," A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step."
We have the Goa Children's Act,2003; we have a reconstituted Goa State Women's Commission, we have enlightened parents and NGOs; we do have a more responsive[ Call it 'communal' if you please, but it is more responsive all the same. I dare say that Dr.Celsa Pinto would have dithered, if she had been appointed the Director of Education, where Mr.Ashok Desai has taken a bold action in the instant case.] Government; we have a better administration....and the cases are at least getting registered in the police stations and in the public consciousness. Now is the time to act on the ACT. No,not emotions[ No screaming,"Castrate the Rapists" !], no press conferences. Just a plain and simple legal process through a 'fast track' children's court. Few quick convictions[ Even a sentence of 1 year simple imprisonment without parole or bail ,if handed down within 3 months of the crime, is better than a life term after 10 years of legal wrangles]. I do believe that the Rules under the Goa Children's Act,2003, will be framed and notified before the year end. We have an administration that can deliver. It must. A test of the strong is the defence of the weak and defenceless child. The Goa Administration cannot afford to fail us here.We want to host IFFI and erect a multiplex; not promote paedophilia and multiple sex. Viva Goa. Miguel Braganza Mapusa. > Date: Wed, 12 Nov 2003 12:44:40 +0530 > From: Goa Desc <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: [Goanet]Minor girls sexually abused by Goa Govt. primary school teacher. The state government has suspended a primary teacher attached to the > Government Primary School at Malpem in Sattari taluka for allegedly > sexually abusing girl students of the school in the classroom.The > government, meanwhile, directed the Valpoi police to register a case > against the teacher. > The agitated parents have alleged that their children have informed them > that the teacher was asking the boys to go out of the classroom for > playing on the ground and thereafter forcing the girls to remove their > underwear and touch their private parts. > Mr Dessai said the government had put the teacher under suspension and > further inquiries would be conducted to prepare a charge sheet against > the teacher. > --------- --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.530 / Virus Database: 325 - Release Date: 10/22/2003 ########################################################################## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##########################################################################
