------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Steps afoot to rehabilitate Baina sex workers: Parrikar ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Parrikar today came out with an observation that no one can remove the commercial sex workers from Baina forcefully and also announced that the steps are afoot to rehabilitate them, provide them with employment and shelter.
During a surprise visit to the red light area of Baina, the Chief Minister listened to the grievances of sex workers for more than half an hour today morning in the Andhra galli.
He was accompanied by the Vasco MLA and state BJP chief, Mr Rajendra Arlekar, the Mormugao MLA, Mr Karl Vaz, the chief secretary, Mr D S Negi, the collector of south Goa, Mr J B Singh, the director-general of police (DGP), Mr Seva Das, the women and child development secretary, Mr Devashri Mukharjee, the deputy collector, Ms Meena Goltekar, mamlatdar, Mr Anthony D' Souza, the Mormugao municipal chief officer, Mr N D Agarwal, the chief medical officer (CMO), Chicalim Cottage Hospital, Dr Rajnanda Desai and personal secretary to CM, Mr Krishnamurthy.
Referring to the eviction of the commercial sex workers, which is due in the month of April, the Chief Minister said, "Most of the sex workers are earning their bread through the business of prostitution. They need some kind of employment so that they can earn something for their family."
The Chief Minister assured the sex workers employment and shelter only on the condition that they would not come back to the business of prostitution again. Most of the sex workers willingly accepted the proposal of the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister has made a temporary arrangement of provision of foodgrains to sex workers at 10 kg per head and will be delivered from next week.
The Chief Minister later held a meeting with the NGOs and brothelkeepers at Pednekar hall, Baina. The Chief Minister here listened to the grievances of brothelkeepers, NGOs and citizens. "This is the beginning towards providing some kind of help to the commercial sex workers at red light area of Baina," the Chief Minister further said. The government has created a level of confidence in them, he added.
Some of the citizens bought to the notice of the Chief Minister that NGOs working in the red light area were mis-guiding the sex workers on the initiatives undertaken by the state government to rehabilitate them. Taking note of this Mr Parrikar stated that he would investigate into the matter. "Strict action would be taken against those instigating the sex workers," he observed.
Mr Parrikar further told the sex workers that the state government would provide a positive solution their problem only after they are isolated. "The sex workers are been mis-guided that the government is only dealing with iron hand with them by getting the police to act tough," said Mr Parrikar.
The Chief Minister has called a meeting on February 25, in his chamber with those affected as well concerned with the issue. ---------------------------------------------- The Navhind Times 12/2/04 page 5 ----------------------------------------------
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