Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Mar 15: The Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has been reconstituted by the Government of Goa, ending nearly two years during which the statutory body remained non-functional after the tenure of its previous members expired.

According to an order issued by the Directorate of Women and Child Development, Shashikant Punaji has been appointed as the chairperson of the Commission.

The other members of the Commission include Snehal Salgaonkar, Sanjiwani Dessai, Vibha Bhonsale, Shalaka Dessai, Esther Roe Torres and Sofia De Souza.

The order stated that the tenure of the newly constituted Commission will be three years from the date of its constitution.

The Commission had remained defunct since May 19, 2024, when the tenure of its chairperson Peter Borges ended, followed soon after by the expiry of the term of other members.

Earlier, the department had indicated that the proposal seeking approval for the reconstitution of the Commission had been forwarded to the government. Although the process saw some movement on December 17, 2024, it stalled again later.

Subsequently, the government issued a fresh advertisement in October 2025 inviting applications for the posts of chairperson and members, setting November 21, 2025 as the deadline. The notification came after an earlier advertisement issued in June was cancelled.

The Commission is mandated to monitor the implementation of child rights laws, inquire into complaints of violations and advise the government on policy matters related to the protection and welfare of children.