SHILLONG: A preliminary report by the Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has revealed worrying data about cases of sexual assaults under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in Meghalaya.
Released on February 29, the commission report pinpointed the East Khasi Hills district as the epicentre, accounting for a staggering 28% of all reported cases, totalling 709 instances.
Conversely, South Garo Hills recorded the lowest number of cases, with a mere 2% contribution, tallying 64 cases in total.
Furthermore, the report also revealed the backlog of cases within the POCSO courts, particularly in East Khasi Hills, where 566 cases remain pending.
In contrast, South East Garo Hills boasts the lowest number of pending cases statewide, with only 36.
Since the establishment of POCSO courts, a total of 2,566 cases have been registered by December 2023.
However, the report underscores the substantial backlog, with 1,984 cases awaiting resolution across various districts.
The state’s overall disposal rate for cases stands at a concerning 22.68%.
In response to these distressing findings, state officials have voiced their concerns and called for immediate action.
Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh told the local press that community engagement is a key step in this direction and advocated for increased accessibility of the POCSO Act at the grassroots level.
Echoing similar sentiments, Law Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh underlined the collective effort required from the Social Welfare, Law, and Health and Family Welfare departments to safeguard victims’ rights and ensure justice.
In a bid to enhance public awareness and understanding of the POCSO Act, the commission also unveiled “Ki Kyndon Aiñ”, the translated version of the POCSO Act 2012 in Khasi, aiming to empower the general public with knowledge of child protection laws.
