Shillong: 22 children from Meghalaya who were studying at an unregistered private boarding school in Karnataka were reunited with their families in Shillong on Wednesday, following a court order.
The children, hailing from various districts across Meghalaya, had been placed in government care in Karnataka after a tragic food poisoning incident at the school on March 16 claimed the lives of two students.
Authorities later discovered that the institution was operating illegally, prompting an immediate shutdown and relocation of the remaining students to a state-run children’s home.
Concerned parents from Meghalaya sought legal intervention for the safe return of their children.
Following court directives, the Karnataka Child Welfare Committee coordinated with its Meghalaya counterpart to facilitate the safe repatriation.
The children arrived in Shillong under the escort of a Child Welfare Officer from Karnataka.
Upon arrival, they were received by officials from the Meghalaya Social Welfare Department, who verified parental identities before formally handing the children over to their families.
A small handover ceremony was held in Shillong, attended by Meghalaya Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh, who expressed relief over the children’s safe return and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to child welfare.
“These children have endured a traumatic experience, and we must ensure they receive the necessary psychological support and care as they reintegrate with their families,” Minister Lyngdoh said.
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Of the 22 children, eight were from East Jaintia Hills, seven from West Jaintia Hills, four from East Khasi Hills, and three from West Khasi Hills.
Officials have emphasised the importance of verifying the legality of educational institutions before enrolling children, particularly in out-of-state facilities, to prevent such incidents in the future.
The Meghalaya government has also initiated coordination with central authorities to ensure stricter monitoring of private boarding schools operating outside the state that admit children from the Northeast.
