Shillong, September 12, 2025 –
A State-level Multi-Stakeholder Consultation on “Safeguarding the Girl Child: Towards a Safer and Enabling Environment for Her in India – Reflection on Progress, Challenges, Opportunities, and the Way Forward” was held today at the High Court Auditorium, bringing together government officials, judicial representatives, educators, and civil society leaders.
The consultation was jointly organised by the Juvenile Justice Committee of the High Court of Meghalaya and the Social Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya.
Hon’ble Mr. Justice Hamarsan Singh Thangkhiew, Acting Chief Justice of the High Court of Meghalaya and Chairperson of the Juvenile Justice Committee, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Also present were Hon’ble Mr. Justice W. Diengdoh, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Biswadeep Bhattacharjee, Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR) Chairperson Smt. Agatha Sangma, Commissioner & Secretary of Social Welfare Shri Pravin Bakshi, IAS, Director of Social Welfare Smt. Camelia Doreen Langwa, MCS, along with Deputy Commissioners, senior police officials, educators, and representatives from multiple government departments.
In his keynote address, Justice Thangkhiew hailed the role of girls as the “backbone of society and the future of the nation,” adding:
“When we empower and protect our girls, we not only improve their lives but also build a healthier and stronger society.”
While acknowledging Meghalaya’s unique matrilineal traditions, he noted that gender-based discrimination still persists in health, education, and economic opportunities. He urged communities to work with the government to ensure better healthcare, education, and equal opportunities for girls.
MSCPCR Chairperson Smt. Agatha Sangma called for a rights-based approach to child protection.
“Protecting the girl child is not charity; it is justice. It is not a matter of sympathy, but a matter of rights,” she said, while underlining the urgent need to tackle child sexual abuse and ensure dignity and safety for all girls.
The consultation served as a platform to review existing child protection mechanisms, discuss persistent challenges, and formulate actionable strategies to make Meghalaya — and India at large — a safer and more inclusive place for girls.
