The Goa Human Rights Commission has raised serious concerns regarding safety hazards, crumbling infrastructure, and bureaucratic inertia at Apna Ghar, the state-run rehabilitation home for children in Merces. Following an surprise inspection on August 3, 2026, the GHRC panel issued a comprehensive report highlighting critical structural defects, non-functional security measures, and operational bottlenecks. The Commission has given the Directorate of Women and Child Development 60 days—until October 6, 2026—to submit an Action Taken Report.

​​During the inspection, the panel discovered severe structural deterioration across the premises. Portions of the concrete roof directly above the children's dormitories and play areas are damaged, exposing reinforcement bars and posing an immediate safety threat. The Commission also noted faded paint, moss-covered exterior walls, and broken or missing tiles throughout dormitories and restrooms.

​"Such structural deterioration poses a potential safety hazard to the children and requires immediate attention," the Commission noted in its report, urging the Public Works Department to carry out urgent civil repairs.

Despite multiple urgent communications sent by Apna Ghar administration to the PWD between October 2025 and June 2026, no repair work has been initiated. Similarly, repeated requests to the Electricity Department regarding broken, non-functional streetlights around the campus have gone unheeded.

​The GHRC report also highlighted significant gaps in security and emergency preparedness like out of the 16 CCTV cameras installed across the home, 7 were found completely non-functional. The first floor of the girls' dormitory section lacks safety window grills, creating a dangerous risk of accidental falls or untoward incidents.

GHRC also noted that The Deputy Director overseeing the facility lacks delegated financial powers to handle urgent, unbudgeted expenditures. The Commission expressed deep concern, noting that requiring prior approval for basic medical emergencies or minor urgent repairs leads to avoidable, dangerous delays.

During the visit, the Commission interacted directly with the children, noting a general absence of individual grievances regarding daily care. At the time of the visit, the institution housed - 4 boys in the Centre for Children in Conflict with Law. 31 children and 1 toddler (14 boys, 16 girls, and 1 toddler) under Child in Need of Care and Protection.

​While the kitchen and canteen were found to be clean and hygienic, the panel observed worn-out water purifiers and old cooking infrastructure that require immediate renovation.

​The inspection also brought to light administrative issues affecting child welfare staff. Members of the South Goa Child Welfare Committee informed the Commission of severe operational hurdles, including inadequate seating, lack of inspection transport, poor internet connectivity, and unpaid honorariums for the last three months.

​To ensure holistic child development and safety, the GHRC recommended- conducting mandatory comprehensive blood tests upon admission to create health cards and detect nutritional deficiencies early, resuming discontinued music classes, introducing basic computer literacy, and providing vocational skill training for children who discontinue formal schooling.