Shillong, Aug 16: The Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC) on Wednesday visited the Observation Home for Boys (OHB) at Cleve Colony, here to obtain first-hand knowledge on the operation of Juvenile Justice custodial facilities for six districts in Khasi and Jaintia Hills.
MHRC member and former Meghalaya DGP, P.J. Hanaman, who visited the home was accompanied by MHRC secretary, Aldous Mawlong, and officers of the Directorate of Social Welfare Department.
The MHRC pointed out that the objective of the observation home should be to ensure that each juvenile delinquent who comes into contact with the juvenile Justice custodial system is provided with a minimum standard of service, and the successful return to the community should be their primary goal.
Besides interacting with staff of the OHB and enquiring about their shortcomings and grievances, the MHRC also inspected the living conditions, including infrastructure and recreational facilities being provided to the inmates of the OHB, presently put up in rented accommodation.
The MHRC observed that despite severe constraints, the 0fficers and staff of the OHB had made optimum use of the resources made available by the government.
The MHRC was pleased to learn that the OHB would be relocated by September this year to its new premises at New Shillong Township which has been specifically built according to the requirements of the OHB.
The MHRC also interacted with all the inmates of the OHB and found them to be in good spirits, which is commendable. MHRC hopes that the inmates who leave the OHB will be reformed individuals who will be of use to the Society.
