Shillong (Meghalaya), Dec 2: Twenty-four children from Meghalaya who were rescued from an unregistered facility in Karnataka have been welcomed back to Shillong. The children, who were brought to the state capital, were formally received at the Directorate of Social Welfare office in the presence of officials and child rights organizations.
The State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) has raised concerns over the rising number of cases involving children being taken out of the state without proper procedures. SCPCR Chairperson Agatha Sangma emphasized the need for a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to regulate the movement of children to institutions outside Meghalaya. The proposed SOP would require prior intimation to District Child Protection Officers, proper documentation, verification of institutions, and mandatory medical examinations.
The children were found in poor conditions at the unregistered facility in Chikkaballapur district, prompting the authorities to take swift action. Most of the children come from marginalized families, and their parents had hoped for better educational opportunities outside the state. The SCPCR has written to the Chief Minister recommending the formulation of an SOP to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The safe return of the children was made possible through coordinated efforts between departments and agencies in both Karnataka and Meghalaya. The SCPCR has urged parents to be vigilant and ensure they are aware of their children’s whereabouts and safety.
