The Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has found serious safety and infrastructure failings at Apna Ghar, the state-run child rehabilitation home in Merces, following a surprise inspection on August 3, 2026. In a detailed report, the Commission said portions of concrete roofing above dormitories and play areas are damaged, exposing reinforcement bars and creating an immediate risk to the children housed there.
Structural damage and maintenance lapses
The GHRC noted visible signs of deterioration across the campus, including faded paint, moss-covered exterior walls and broken or missing tiles in dormitories and washrooms. The report urged the Public Works Department (PWD) to undertake urgent civil repairs after finding that prior requests from Apna Ghar had not been acted upon.
"Such structural deterioration poses a potential safety hazard to the children and requires immediate attention," the Commission observed in its report.
The Commission recorded that Apna Ghar administration had sent multiple urgent communications to the PWD between October 2025 and June 2026, but no repair work had been initiated. It also said repeated requests to the Electricity Department over non-functional streetlights around the campus remained unanswered.
Security, emergency preparedness and equipment failures
Inspectors found significant gaps in safety systems. Of the 16 CCTV cameras installed across the facility, the GHRC reported that 7 were completely non-functional. The first floor of the girls' dormitory was observed to lack safety window grills, increasing the risk of accidental falls or untoward incidents.
- CCTV cameras: 16 installed; 7 non-functional
- Inspection date: 3 August 2026
- Action report deadline: 60 days — until 6 October 2026
Administrative constraints
The GHRC highlighted procedural and administrative obstacles affecting rapid response. The Deputy Director in charge of the facility reportedly does not possess delegated financial powers to meet urgent, unbudgeted expenditures. The Commission expressed concern that seeking prior approvals for basic medical emergencies or minor repairs could delay critical interventions.
The report therefore asked the Directorate of Women and Child Development (WCD) to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within 60 days, setting 6 October 2026 as the deadline for remedial steps and documentation of measures taken.
Local impact and departmental roles
The condition of Apna Ghar has implications beyond immediate safety: defective roofing, poor lighting and non-functional surveillance reduce the overall security and wellbeing of residents and staff. The GHRC specifically called for coordination with the PWD for civil repairs and the Electricity Department for restoration of external lighting.
Restoration of surveillance coverage and the installation of safety grills were among the immediate requests flagged by the inspection team. The Commission also drew attention to the need for clear delegation of funds to on-site administrators so that urgent needs can be addressed without procedural delay.
What the GHRC has ordered
| Issue | Commission finding | Required action |
|---|---|---|
| Structural damage | Damaged roofs, exposed reinforcement bars | PWD to undertake urgent civil repairs |
| Lighting | Broken/non-functional streetlights | Electricity Department to restore campus lighting |
| Surveillance | 7 of 16 CCTVs non-functional | Repair/replace cameras to restore full coverage |
| Administrative powers | Deputy Director lacks delegated financial authority | WCD to review delegation for urgent expenditures |
The GHRC's order for an ATR is intended to establish a timeline and record of corrective measures. The Commission's approach underscores its mandate to protect the rights of vulnerable groups and to hold administrative agencies accountable for delivering safe conditions in state-run facilities.
Background and next steps
Apna Ghar is a government rehabilitation home for children. The GHRC's findings add to growing scrutiny of infrastructure and oversight at institutional care homes. The Commission's directive places onus on the WCD, PWD and Electricity Department to respond within the stipulated period and to ensure that physical and administrative lacunae are remedied.
Until the ATR is submitted and verified, the Commission's report serves as an official record of conditions observed on 3 August 2026 and a formal call for immediate action to protect children residing at the facility.
