PANAJI
Although without a full-time Chairperson for 22 months, the Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has recorded a significant achievement this year, disposing of 498 cases till December 9 surpassing previous years by a large margin.
The Commission has also set a record by pursuing compliance on its recommendations in each case.
Exclusive data shared with The Goan indicates that the GHRC received and registered 182 complaints this year, a sharp drop compared to 233 complaints in 2023 and 258 in 2022. The total cases disposed this year show a remarkable turnaround in efficiency, exceeding 116 cases in 2023 and 232 cases in 2022.
GHRC officials stated the year is yet to end while indicating there is no such decline in complaints while also citing a growing sense of caution among authorities. “The government and administrative bodies have been more vigilant in handling human rights issues proactively to prevent reaching the Commission,” the official said.
The sharp rise in case disposals this year further indicates that the GHRC has streamlined its processes, clearing a significant backlog that touched about 435 when Chairperson and two members' posts were vacant from February 27, 2023, to October 31, 2023.
“Earlier, in absence of functioning of Goa State Commissions for Women (due to absence of chairperson and panel), the affected women would approach the GHRC,” the official said, adding that recommendations are strictly followed by the authorities including government departments.
Besides receiving complaints, the Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of critical public welfare issues. In March, it intervened in the acute water shortage reported in Majorda, Calata, Chapora, Assagao and Anjuna, directing the Principal Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department to act urgently.
In a separate complaint received, it sought to improve conditions for undertrial prisoners at Colvale Jail by ensuring better canteen facilities, adequate water supply, healthcare services and action against alleged assaults and harassment by jail officials.
In another order in February, the Commission directed Goa Police to pay Rs 50,000 as compensation, along with simple interest at 6 per cent per month since the complaint to local Urmila Gaonkar, who was injured by a stray bullet during police firing practice at the force's former range in Maulinguem in 2021.
