SHILLONG, March 16: Considering the growing number of cases of crime against women and children in the state, there is a need for the convergence of the Home and the Social Welfare departments to ensure that the victims are supported properly, Opposition Chief Whip, George B Lyngdoh pointed out on Wednesday.
Raising a supplementary question during Question Hour in the Assembly, he said the victims of such crimes face a lot of hardships while looking for psychological support and legal aid.
The MLA enquired if there is any mechanism whereby the victims can have immediate access to the Social Welfare department for the necessary support, including legal aid.
In his reply, Home Minister, Lahkmen Rymbui said the government is providing all required help to the victims wherever and whenever needed.
Earlier replying to a query raised by Mawlai legislator, PT Sawkmie, the Home Minister told the House the state government has sanctioned women police stations in 11 districts. He said the 12th district of Eastern West Khasi Hills will get it in due course of time.
Giving out the strength of a women police station, Rymbui said the sanctioned strength include one inspector, two sub-inspectors, three head constables, six constables and one driver.
Nongpoh MLA, Mayralborn Syiem highlighted that the women police station in Nongpoh is still functioning from a temporary building and requested the government to provide a permanent one.
He said a whopping 86 cases against women and children were registered in Ri-Bhoi in the last one year alone and requested the government to strengthen manpower so that investigation of cases could be taken to logical end.
East Shillong legislator, Ampareen Lyngdoh said the total 12 women inspectors in the women police stations will be insufficient considering maternity leave. But Rymbui said there are 92 sub-inspectors and the number is sufficient.