Goa Cabinet Approves Amendment to Remove Leprosy from Children’s Act

The Goa cabinet has cleared an amendment to the Goa Children’s Act that eliminates the term ‘leprosy’ from the statute. The change is intended to update the law and remove outdated language that may contribute to stigma against affected children. The amendment follows a review of the act, which originally listed leprosy as a condition requiring special protection. With the amendment, children with leprosy will no longer be singled out under the act, and the law will focus on broader child welfare provisions. The next step is to pass the amendment in the state legislature, after which it will be signed into law by the Governor.