Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Aug 25: The Goa government has suspended three members of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), South Goa, who were also holding additional charge as members of the Child Welfare Committee (Kushavati), pending a departmental inquiry into allegations of procedural lapses and dereliction of duty.
The suspension order was issued on August 24 by the Directorate of Women and Child Development. The members named in the order are Dr Junsa Mudras, Perci Scoori Fernandes and advocate Shirley Sadira De Monte Furtado Sousa.
According to the government order, the competent authority received several complaints against the three members concerning their conduct, alleged partiality and decision-making, besides alleged procedural lapses and dereliction of duties.
The government said the immediate suspension was ordered to ensure that the departmental inquiry into the allegations is conducted in an impartial and transparent manner.
The order was issued by Jyoti Desai, Director and ex-officio Joint Secretary, Women and Child Development.
The action has been taken under the provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Act, 2021, read with Rule 15(4D) of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Model Amendment Rules, 2022.
The three members were appointed to the Child Welfare Committee (South Goa) through a notification dated July 28, 2025, for a tenure under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
They were subsequently given additional charge as members of the Child Welfare Committee (Kushavati) through a notification issued on February 25, 2026.
During the period of suspension, the three members will not be permitted to exercise any powers, functions or privileges associated with the Child Welfare Committee.
The government has also directed them to immediately hand over all files, documents and records in their possession to either the chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee (South Goa/Kushavati) or the concerned District Child Protection Unit (South Goa/Kushavati).
The order said a detailed departmental inquiry is already underway through the chairperson of the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
The suspended members will be given an opportunity to present their case during the inquiry before any further decision is taken by the authorities.