Goa Tourism Department Directs Hotels to Protect Vulnerable Children, Ensure Safe Working Environment for Women

The tourism department of Goa has issued a directive to all hotels, guesthouses, and homestay operators to protect vulnerable children and provide a safe working environment for women within the hospitality sector. In light of rising cases of child abuse in hotel rooms, the department has implemented measures to safeguard children and women. All hotels are now required to bar entry of children into any room unless they are registered as staying with family or blood relatives. The department aims to create a safe and inclusive environment for both visitors and those working within the tourism sector.

Key Takeaways:

• The Goa tourism department has directed hotels, guesthouses, and homestay operators to protect vulnerable children and provide a safe working environment for women.
• All hotels are now required to bar entry of children into any room unless they are registered as staying with family or blood relatives.
• The department has reminded hotels that they are mandated to protect children from abuse or exploitation on their premises under Section 8 (10) of the Goa Children's Act, 2003.
• Hotel owners and managers will be held responsible for any violation of the Act, which is punishable by up to three years imprisonment or a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh.
• Hotels and guesthouses have also been asked to comply with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013.
• Tourism Director Kedar Naik has emphasized the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for both visitors and those working within the tourism sector.
• The department has urged all stakeholders to comply strictly with the provisions of law and implement all required safeguards for the protection of children and women.

Statistics:

• Up to three years imprisonment or a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh for violating the Goa Children's Act, 2003.
• The Goa Children's Act, 2003 requires hotels and establishments to protect children from abuse or exploitation on their premises.
• The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013, also requires hotels and guesthouses to ensure a safe working environment for women.

Sources:

• The Times of India
• Goa Children's Act, 2003
• Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013.