Shillong: To prevent offences against children and raise awareness about the Pocso Act, the Meghalaya state legal services authority and district legal services authority, East Khasi Hills, in collaboration with the state govt, launched ‘Ka Jingkyrmen (Hope)’ on Tuesday.Chief Justice of Meghalaya high court Revati Mohite Dere said many young people remained unaware of the legal consequences of engaging in sexual activity with persons below 18 years of age. She said that under the Pocso Act, a minor’s consent was not a valid legal defence and that offences under the law attracted stringent punishment.Justice Dere said the project had been conceived in response to cases encountered during judicial proceedings, particularly those involving “adolescents in romantic relationships”. Such situations, she said, could have serious consequences, including school dropouts, pregnancy, arrest and prosecution, potentially affecting the future prospects of both boys and girls.Emphasising the importance of education, she described it as a means of empowerment that opened doors to opportunities, enabled young people to pursue their chosen careers and helped them build a secure future.Pravin Bakshi, commissioner and secretary of the state social welfare department, cited 29 Pocso cases in Mawlai block in Shillong and 26 cases in Mawryngkneng block, underscoring the need for sustained awareness and preventive interventions.He also highlighted child-protection initiatives implemented by his department, including Mission Vatsalya, which provides care, protection and support to children in need, including those who are abused, abandoned, orphaned, missing or trafficked, as well as children affected by conflict, disasters and substance abuse.Meghalaya HC judge HS Thangkhiew emphasised the importance of communicating legal information in languages understood by children and local communities, saying awareness initiatives needed to be accessible, inclusive and effective.The Legal Services Helpline 15100, Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 and Police Emergency Helpline 112 were also highlighted as channels through which children and community members could seek assistance.
