Goa Assembly passes Bill to drop ‘leprosy’ references from child law to curb stigma
The Goa Assembly has passed an amendment to the state's child protection law to remove references to 'leprosy' in order to reduce social stigma. This move aligns state legislation with a 2025 Supreme Court directive regarding the treatment of individuals affected by the disease.
Why it matters
Legislative changes that remove stigmatizing language are crucial for ensuring equitable access to healthcare and social inclusion.
The State 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 social stigma and discrimination against people affected by the disease.
State Women and Child Development Minister Vishwajit Rane introduced the Bill, seeking to amend the Goa Children’s Act, 2003, in the Assembly on Tuesday (September 2, 2026). It was later passed in the House by voice vote.
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, as per the statement of objects and reasons.
The Bill sought to omit the word “leprosy” from two provisions of the principal Act.
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