Shillong, July 16, 2025: In a significant policy appeal, Agatha K. Sangma, Chairperson of the Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR), has called on the state government to establish a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for monitoring children who are taken out of the state by individuals or organizations.
Speaking at a recent public interaction, Sangma emphasized the urgent need for stronger child protection mechanisms. She expressed concern that children are often relocated outside Meghalaya without the knowledge or oversight of state authorities, posing serious risks to their safety and well-being.
“Many times, children are taken away without the government’s knowledge, and we only come to know about it when something unfortunate happens,” she stated, highlighting the critical gaps in the current system.
The proposed SOP would require prior disclosure of travel plans and ensure that hostels, institutions, or care homes where children are sent are legally registered and periodically monitored. Sangma emphasized that such a framework is crucial for upholding accountability and transparency in child relocation cases.
In her appeal, the MSCPCR Chairperson sought the direct intervention of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh. She also advocated for the development of more child-friendly, recreational, and safe public spaces in both rural and urban areas of the state, terming it a much-needed investment in the social infrastructure for Meghalaya’s youth.
Additionally, the Commission has been actively conducting awareness campaigns in schools, focusing on issues such as child rights, domestic abuse, and gender-based violence. Sangma reiterated that the rising incidence of abuse against women and children is not just a legal issue but a societal crisis that demands a unified response from government institutions, educational bodies, and local communities alike.
The MSCPCR’s recommendations come amid increasing national attention to child welfare protocols, especially in conflict-prone or underserved regions. As Meghalaya continues to grapple with social protection challenges, the Commission’s push for a formal SOP marks a strategic step toward institutionalizing child safety beyond state borders.
