SHILLONG, MAY 10: Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights Chairperson Agatha Sangma on Saturday said child abandonment cases require a “collective effort” from all stakeholders, including the press, and called for better education and awareness for young girls.
Speaking on a recent case of child abandonment, Sangma said the Commission has been proactive.
“From the commission side we have been very proactive as well and our member belonging to Ri-Bhoi district, she has personally gone and met the family,” she said.
“The DCPUs have been very active, and forthcoming in ensuring that counselling is being given to the mothers who have abandoned their children.”
She said awareness and education are key to prevention. “This is something which is a collective effort that needs to be done from everybody’s side including the press,” Sangma said.
“Awareness has to be generated and better education is important for young girls. A lot of young girls are not understanding the value of good education and they get involved in relationships.”
“Strengthening our education system and making education more inclusive for our girl child is very important to ensure that girls get married at the proper age where they can take care of themselves and the family,” she added.
On the specific case, she said, “This is a specific case where the mother panicked, she panicked and took that decision so it is very unfortunate. I really hope that the system in general becomes more inclusive so that they feel more empowered to be able to take decisions.”
Asked if the Commission would take further steps, Sangma said, “As of now, we have not decided. This is one of the cases that is happening, but if it gets to an alarming rate then we will definitely do.” On legal aspects, she said, “That is something that you will have to talk to the legal side.”
Sangma noted that the High Court has taken note of consensual relationships involving minors. “In fact, the High Court has taken a very serious note of this, and now the Romeo-Juliet case will not be categorised in POCSO cases,” she said.
“Counselling is being given to couples where it is not POCSO cases except for the fact that they are minors.”
“Of course they should not, but the support of the family is very important and if they are put in POCSO then obviously complications are there. So the court is making sure that these cases do not come into POCSO,” she added.
She clarified the Commission’s mandate. “See, we are in the Child Commission, so basically that will be something that the Women Commission will be able to tell you, especially in cases against women.”
On POCSO convictions, Sangma said, “In POCSO, as just earlier our resource person Mr Das told us, 80% conviction has taken place.”
