Ensure women & kids are safe: Govt to hotels

Panaji: The tourism department has issued a stern directive to all hotels, guesthouses, and homestay operators to take immediate measures to protect vulnerable children and provide women with a safe working environment within the hospitality sector. The department’s directive comes in view of rising incidents of children being abused and molested in hotel rooms.

The department has reminded hotels that they must prevent the entry of children into any room unless they are registered as staying with family or relatives. “Goa is committed to ensuring a safe and inclusive environment not just for visitors, but also for those working within the tourism sector. All stakeholders are urged to comply strictly with the provisions of law and implement all required safeguards for the protection of children and women. This is non-negotiable,” said tourism director Kedar Naik.

Section 8(10) of the Goa Children’s Act, 2003, states that all hotels and establishments providing boarding or lodging facilities are mandated to ensure that children are protected from any form of abuse or exploitation within their premises. The tourism department also said the owner of the hotel or guesthouse and the manager will have to bear full responsibility for any contravention of the Goa Children’s Act, 2003, which is punishable with imprisonment of up to three years, or a fine up to Rs 1 lakh.

Hotels and guesthouses have also been asked to adhere to their obligations under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH) Act. “All accommodation providers operating within Goa are instructed to comply with these obligations without exception. The department seeks the full cooperation of all stakeholders to uphold Goa’s reputation as a safe, responsible, and inclusive tourism destination,” said Naik.