Tourism dept warns hotels on child safety, women’s rights

Panaji: The tourism department has directed all hotels, guesthouses, and homestay operators to protect vulnerable children and provide a safe working environment for women within the hospitality sector. The directive comes in view of rising cases of child abuse in hotel rooms.

The department has reminded hotels to bar entry of children into any room unless they are registered as staying with family or blood 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 a collective responsibility and non-negotiable,” said tourism director Kedar Naik.

Under Section 8 (10) of the Goa Children’s Act, 2003, all hotels and establishments providing lodging facilities are mandated to protect children from abuse or exploitation on their premises. The department also said that 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 (POSH Act).