Porvorim: The Goa Legislative Assembly has passed the Goa Children’s (Amendment) Bill, 2026, seeking to remove references to “leprosy” from the state’s child protection legislation to eliminate discrimination against persons affected by the disease.
The Bill was introduced by Women and Child Development Minister Vishwajit Rane on Tuesday and seeks to amend the Goa Children’s Act, 2003. The Bill was passed with voice votes on the floor of the House.
According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons, the amendment has been brought to remove social stigma and discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and bring the state law in line with a Supreme Court order dated May 7, 2025.
The Bill seeks to omit the word “leprosy” from two provisions of the principal Act.
Under Section 2 dealing with definitions, the amendment removes “leprosy” from a provision that earlier referred to it along with HIV as an illness carrying social stigma.
It also removes the reference to leprosy from Section 5 relating to health and nutrition. The provision prohibits healthcare facilities and hospitals from denying treatment or admission to children or pregnant mothers suffering from conditions associated with social stigma.
The memorandum accompanying the Bill states that the amendment will have no financial implications and does not involve any delegated legislation. The amendment will come into force immediately after receiving the assent of the Governor, according to the legislation.
