High rate of sex workers, teenage pregnancy and infant mortality in West Jaintia Hills

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 20, 2021

The Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Committee on Empowerment of Women visited Jowai and held a meeting with line departments of the District in the Conference Hall, Divisional Soil & Water Conservation, Jowai.

The Committee chairperson Ampareen Lyngdoh, along with the member HM Shangpliang discussed with line departments in particular with the District Police Executive Force and the Social Welfare on the alarming rise of murder and rape cases in the District.

The committee also discussed and evaluated the issues related to POCSO, Crime against women, commercial sex workers, child abuse. Schemes and projects meant for women and children were also discussed.

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Briefing the media persons the Chairperson of the Committee Ampareen Lyngdoh highlighted the dangers of escalating HIV aids through commercial sex workers, the increasing number of drug users in the District and maternal and infant mortality rates due to early pregnancy and called for mechanisms to check these dangers in the society by concerned departments, NGOs and Welfare organisations.

The Committee also expressed its concern about the linking of Adhaar with ration cards which will deprive the deserving beneficiaries of the benefit.

Deputy Commissioner, Garod LSN Dykes, Superintendent of Police Bikram Marak Block Development Officers from  Amlarem, Thadlaskein and Laskein, officials from the District Administration, Health Department, Social Welfare were also present in the meeting.