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Observations and Recommendations

The Chairperson, along with the Members of the Commission, met with Dr. Mukul Sangma, Chief Minister, on 10th May, 2013 and submitted the recommendations which needed prompt attention by the Government to address the alarming rise of crime against women, the failure of justice delivery mechanism and to strengthen the function of the MSCW.

The Commission recommended the following action point:-

  1. To have a full time Member/ Secretary of the State Commission for the smooth functionong of all the programmes and activities of the Commission.
  2. The Meghalaya State Women Commission (procedure) Regulation 2005. Rules 16 clearly provide setting up of Legal Cells, Counseling Cell, Monitoring Cell, Research and Library of the Commission which has not been complied in accordance with the Act. It is therefore imperative on the part of the Commission to request the State Government to expedite full implementation of the said provision as per rules and for the Rights and Interest for equal justice in the protection of women and children in our state.
  3. To notify Assistant Protection Officer in all the Block Headquarters for accessibility of justice and for strengthening the implementation of the Protection of Women against Domestic Violence Act 2005 in the entire State.
  4. From an experience it has been felt that the Commission requires urgently a Short- stay Homes for the needy destitutes as Temporary Shelters for destitute women in different circumstances.
  5. To allow the Commission to have its own Investigation Cell on deputation from the Police Department.
  6. All educational Institutions should appoint trained Counselor’s to deal with various issues affecting school children in the State.
  7. To strengthen women police cell and staff with adequate man power and   facilities in all the police stations in the state and to designate one superior Lady Police Officer to supervise and handle all crimes and violence against women and children.  To  set up Mahila Mobile Suraksha (police –on- Wheel) or Rapid Action  Women Commander force in all sensitive areas of Shillong and other vulnerable areas in all the District Headquarter to prevent and tackle the incidence of crime and violence against women.
  8. To have a specific pool of experienced Lawyers as Legal Aid Counsels.
  9. To upgrade the infrastructure and manpower in the Forensic Science Laboratory with adequate DNA facilities.
  10. To upgrade the existing Observation/Children’s Home of the Government with adequate infrastructure including outdoor space, transportation facilities, educational and vocational training skills, recreations and to segregate all juvenile in the Shelter/Children and Observation Home as per the nature of offences committed.
  11. The setting up of emergency helpline 24x7 for immediate/ timely intervention for urgent needs of women and girls in distress.
  12. To bifurcate the Department of Social Welfare and to set up a separate Directorate for Women and Children to deal specifically with all related cases and to implement the flagship Programmes/Schemes both Central and State Government efficiently and promptly for the Welfare of Women and Children in the State.
  13. Since crimes against minors are rising rapidly, it is imperative that the District Child Protection Officers (DCPOs) be allotted vehicle in the Districts.
  14. To set up temporary Shelter Home /Short stay home for women in the entire District for destitute and distress women during crisis situation
  15. Establishment of Fast Track court in Ri-Bhoi district, East Jaintia Hills, South West Khasi Hills and the entire districts of Garo Hills.
  16. Report on all kinds of crime and violence against women in the State has to be submitted to the Commission by the police department and each court in all districts of the state in every quarter for necessary follow up of the cases.
  17. Status and of the Chairperson/ Vice- Chairperson and Members is not clear and honorarium of Members is too meager when compared with other State Commission and hence request for enhancement of the same.
  18. The term of office of the Commission to be extended from the existing 3 (three) years to 5(five) years as is the practice with the other Commissions outside the State. This will help the Commission to discharge its responsibilities smoothly.
  19. To set up family courts in all the districts of Meghalaya.

The Commission will further list out on priority basis recommendation from time to time to the Government for necessary consideration.