SHILLONG, Oct 16: Meghalaya has launched a child protection initiative, Ka Jingkyrmen (Hope), following reports of 55 cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, in Mawlai and Mawryngkneng blocks.
The Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA) and the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), East Khasi Hills, launched the project on Friday in collaboration with the state government. It aims to prevent offences against children, raise awareness of legal rights and strengthen community-level protection mechanisms.
Chief Justice of the High Court of Meghalaya Revati Mohite Dere, who is also the patron-in-chief of MSLSA, said the initiative was conceived in response to cases encountered during judicial proceedings, including those involving adolescents in romantic relationships. She stressed that consent from a person below 18 is not a defence under the POCSO Act and warned that such cases could lead to school dropouts, pregnancy, arrest and prosecution, with lasting consequences for young people.
Urging children to complete their education and pursue their aspirations, the Chief Justice described education as essential for empowerment and access to future opportunities.
Commissioner and Secretary of the Social Welfare Department Pravin Bakshi said 29 POCSO cases had been reported in Mawlai Block and 26 in Mawryngkneng Block, highlighting the need for sustained awareness and preventive action. He outlined existing support measures, including Mission Vatsalya, Child Care Institutions and the integration of the Child Helpline with the Emergency Response Support System (112) and Women Helpline (181).
Justice H S Thangkhiew, a High Court judge and executive chairman of MSLSA, said the initiative was designed to improve awareness, particularly among vulnerable children and communities affected by offences. He emphasised the need to communicate legal information in languages that children and local communities can understand.
The project will cover children’s rights under the POCSO Act, good and bad touch, consent, personal safety and digital awareness, including protection against online risks and cybercrime. It will also publicise the Legal Services Helpline (15100), Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) and Police Emergency Helpline (112).
The initiative will bring together the Social Welfare, Health and Education departments, police, district administration, students, teachers, Anganwadi workers, para-legal volunteers and traditional village institutions. It also seeks to prevent school dropouts by connecting children with guidance and support services, while improving access to protection and rehabilitation.
