The Mih-Myntdu Community Social Welfare Association
(MCSWA), Khliehriat in collaboration with the office of the District Social Welfare Officer
(DSWO), East Jaintia Hills District and the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), East
Jaintia Hills District, today organized an Awareness Programme cum Distribution of Dry
Ration to Children of High Risk Groups at Dkhiah East Secondary School, East Jaintia Hills
District.
The programme was attended by Sub- Inspector (SI) Women Police Station, East
Jaintia Hills District, Smti S. Dkhar, Programme Manager, Mih-Myntdu Community Social
Welfare Association, ( MCSWA), Smti. R. Patlong, Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsels,
District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), East Jaintia Hills District, Shri W.D Sympli and
Shri S. Pdang and others.
Sub-Inspector (SI) Women Police Station, East Jaintia Hills District sensitized the
gathering on the functioning of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) available in the
district, which has been established to curb immoral trafficking and safeguard vulnerable
individuals even as she highlighted that women are often the primary victims of human
trafficking and are subjected to various forms of exploitation.
Further, she warned the gathering against trusting unknown individuals who promise
lucrative employment opportunities with high payments, noting that such offers are often
used as a means to lure victims into trafficking networks. Emphasizing the importance of
vigilance, she urged citizens to remain alert and to verify the authenticity of such claims
before taking any action.
In addition Smti. Dkhar encouraged the public to immediately report any suspicious
activities or incidents to the nearest police station, stressing that timely reporting can help
prevent crimes and ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in the community.
Speaking on the occasion, Programme Manager of Mih- Myntdu Community Social
Welfare Association (MCSWA), Smti R. Patlong highlighted that the objective of the
programme is to provide nutritional support to children belonging to high-risk groups parents
who are facing deficiencies in proper nutrition. She expressed her gratitude to the office of
the DSWO for sponsoring the nutritional support being extended to the children.
She further stated that such initiatives help in building a strong connection with
beneficiaries while also educating families on the importance of providing nutritious food to
their children.
She informed that a total of 400 children are being covered under the programme and
appealed to individuals, groups and organisations willing to extend support towards the
welfare of these children to approach the MCSWA office located near SBI Junction,
Khliehriat.
Earlier, the District Legal Services Authority, East Jaintia Hills District conducted an
awareness session on key legal provisions including the Protection of Women from Domestic
Violence Act, 2005; the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition
and Redressal) Act, 2013; and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956.
During the session, Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel, Shri W.D Sympli
highlighted various forms and consequences of domestic violence and emphasized its adverse
impact on the overall growth and development of children. He pointed out that domestic
violence can lead to serious mental health issues and affect the quality and longevity of life,
while the provisions under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 offer
legal safeguards and remedies to victims.
Shri Sympli further sensitized the gathering on the four key rights of women and were
urged to seek legal recourse in cases where such rights are violated. He also encouraged them
to report incidents of violence at home or in the workplace to the concerned authorities,
noting that many cases remain unreported due to social stigma and concerns over family
reputation.
Furthermore, he also spoke on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences
(POCSO) Act and its legal provisions for safeguarding children.
Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel, DLSA, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri S.
Pdang spoke on the NALSA schemes for victims of immoral trafficking, highlighting
provisions for financial assistance, counselling and legal support. He also informed about the
Meghalaya Victim Compensation Scheme and the NALSA toll-free helpline number 15100
even as he further informed the gathering on the availability of free legal services provided
by the DLSA, East Jaintia Hills District.
