MARGAO: Despite repeated appeals from the police and other government authorities for homeowners to complete servant verification forms, the response across South Goa has been underwhelming. The South Goa district, which includes 15 police stations, recorded only 697 completed forms in the seven months leading up to July 21 this year.
Police officials have expressed concern that many residents hiring domestic help do not realise the importance of getting their employees registered or verified. Superintendent of Police (South Goa), Sunita Sawant, stressed that unverified domestic servants pose a significant risk, as locating them becomes challenging if they commit a crime and flee. "Filling out servant verification forms is crucial for ensuring public safety," she emphasised.
Sawant noted that a photograph enclosed with the verification form greatly aids police investigations, as it allows for rapid dissemination of the servant's details to police in neighbouring states and the accused's home district.
However, the response in certain areas has been particularly disappointing. For example, police in Canacona and Verna, both areas with numerous residential houses, have not registered a single servant verification form. Other stations like Maina-Curtorim and Mardol have each registered only four forms, while Quepem has registered three, and Mormugao has registered just two.
In contrast, Vasco police station recorded the highest number of verified servants, with 347 forms filed, followed by Fatorda (143), Sanguem (88), Ponda (30), Colva (23), and Collem (23).
Advocate Prasad Naik, president of the South Goa Advocate Association, explained that, according to labour laws, it is the employer's responsibility to ensure proper background checks and police verification of domestic servants. He suggested that failure to comply with verification procedures could lead to legal consequences for employers, similar to the recently passed Goa (Verification of Tenants) Bill 2024.
Another criminal advocate, Priyesh Madkaiker, stressed the importance of background checks, noting that domestic servants who work full-time and stay in the employer's house can sometimes commit offences, particularly theft. He stressed that proper verification is essential to prevent such crimes and ensure that servants do not pose a threat to their employers.
A senior police officer added that proper verification provides essential clues that can aid in the investigation of crimes committed by domestic servants. The officer pointed out that the knowledge that their details are with the police serves as a deterrent for many would-be offenders.
A resident of Fatorda, social worker Ashok Malkarnekar recounted how a house help stole gold ornaments from a house in his locality, but was arrested within 48 hours due to the detailed information provided in the verification form. The stolen items were recovered, highlighting the effectiveness of the verification process.