Meghalaya Chief Justice call to fight child abuse and the drug crisis

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 17, 2023

Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court, Justice Sanjib Banerjee made a clarion call to join hands in the combined fight against various crimes, including drug abuse and sexual abuse against children.

He said this while addressing the gathering on Saturday at One Day Mega Camp cum Awareness Programme focused on NALSA Schemes and Government Welfare Schemes, under the theme “Bridging the Gap,” held at the playground of Sein Jait Tuber Higher Secondary School in Tuberkmaishnong in East Jaintia Hills District.

Justice Banerjee expressed concern over incidents of sexual abuse against children, often perpetrated by family members, and urged the audience to unite against such crimes, including drug abuse and sexual abuse against children.

He highlighted the positive changes that independence has brought, with historically oppressed sections of society gaining opportunities and representation in leadership positions across various sectors. However, he acknowledged that certain evils, such as domestic violence against women, still persist. He encouraged women to report such abuse to the authorities, emphasizing that avenues for redressal exist.

Justice Banerjee also addressed the menace of drug abuse in society and called upon parents, teachers, community leaders, students, and others to be vigilant and continue the fight against the drug problem.

The Chief Justice reiterated the importance of combatting the scourge of drugs in society and emphasized the role of various stakeholders in this endeavor.

Regarding Aadhaar enrolment, Justice Banerjee informed the audience that Aadhaar coverage in East Jaintia Hills District is approximately 82%. He urged stakeholders, including traditional leaders, elders, teachers, and others, to promote Aadhaar enrolment among the remaining 18% of the population, as many citizen benefits are linked to Aadhaar.

He further appealed to the people to refrain from illegal rat hole mining practices, as the government is introducing scientific coal mining. He mentioned a request to the government to enable local cooperative societies to apply for licenses for scientific mining.

Justice HS Thangkhiew, Judge of the High Court of Meghalaya and Executive Chairman of MSLSA, encouraged the audience to seek guidance and assistance from Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) in their respective villages whenever they face denials of their rights and entitlements. He also urged participants to visit government department stalls, including the Health Department’s, where 25 doctors were available to address the needs of attendees.

Other speakers at the event included C Dkhar, District and Sessions Judge-cum-Chairperson of District Legal Services Authority, East Jaintia Hills District; A Baranwal, Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District and Dr. R Pyrtuh, Block Development Officer, Saipung C&RD Block.

The Mega Camp cum Awareness Programme saw participation from hundreds of people from 15 identified villages in the area. The event included the distribution of Aids and Assistive Devices to Specially Abled Persons and the distribution of work orders to beneficiaries under the PMAY-G Scheme. Cultural performances were also part of the program, featuring Vangmai SHG from Thuruk, a song presented by students of Hills Field Secondary School in Wapung, and cultural items by the Meghalaya Police Cultural Troupe.

The day-long event offered various services, including free health check-ups, MHIS enrolment, Aadhaar Card, EPIC Card, and E-Shram registration. Information about schemes from different government departments, such as Agriculture, Horticulture, Social Welfare, Fisheries, Commerce & Industries, and Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, was provided. Additionally, products made by Self Help Groups (SHGs) of the district were exhibited and made available for sale to the attending public.