Meghalaya Cracks Down on Child Marriages, Violence Against Women and Children
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Meghalaya has taken a crucial step towards protecting its citizens, particularly women and children, by finalizing a set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to tackle early marriages and gender-based violence. The draft SOPs have been submitted to the state's advocate general for review before being presented to the Meghalaya High Court and made public. The newly proposed SOPs aim to bridge the gap between traditional practices and existing laws, such as the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. According to Paul Lyngdoh, adviser to the social welfare department, the implementation of the POCSO Act has been challenging in rural Meghalaya, where many communities are unaware of legal provisions. To address this issue, the department plans a state-wide awareness campaign involving counsellors, experts, and Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) to educate communities about child protection laws. Lyngdoh also emphasized the importance of community participation in law enforcement through the revival and empowerment of Village Defence Parties (VDPs). In many rural areas, the nearest police outpost is several hours away, making it crucial for local residents to support policing efforts. By involving the community in law enforcement, the department hopes to build a system that prevents abuse and reduces violence against women and children. While the timeline for implementation remains unclear, the Meghalaya social welfare department is taking a significant step towards protecting its citizens and promoting a safer, more supportive community.
