SHILLONG, Nov 5: Former Tura MP Agatha K Sangma on Tuesday took over as the new chairperson of the Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR) while maintaining that there was no nepotism behind her appointment.
Taking over charge almost two months after being named as chairperson of the Commission, Agatha said she could not join earlier as she was unwell.
Dismissing all charges of nepotism behind her appointment, she said there will always be criticism no matter what.
“In the coming days, my work will speak for itself. I am excited to be in a position where I can work for the children,” she said.
Sounding confident that she will be able to add value to the good works of the Commission, Agatha said a larger number of cases of crimes against children are being reported as there is more awareness among the families. She also pointed out that a lot of legal provisions are there to help child victims get justice.
Asked about the delay in conviction of POCSO cases, she said such cases are not only being fast-tracked in Meghalaya but all over the country.
“There are fast track courts but because there is the death penalty, it takes a lifetime for sentencing to happen. So it is not something that Meghalaya is facing but it is all over the country and therefore, we have to work in coordination with the department and the minister concerned,” she said.
Agatha paid a courtesy call on Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh after assuming charge.
It may be recalled that Agatha’s appointment as the MSCPCR chairperson had drawn widespread resentment with allegations being made about nepotism and questions being raised about her qualification and experience to handle such a responsibility.
Reacting to Agatha’s appointment, the Meghalaya TMC had asked Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma to stop using the state’s resources as his playground and start serving the people.
The Voice of the People Party (VPP) had accused the state government of promoting dynastic politics and furthering the cause of one family by appointing the chief minister’s sister as the chairperson of MSCPCR.
The NPP-led MDA Government had justified her appointment based on her vast experience as a former parliamentarian and also because of her legal background.
The government had announced her appointment as the MSCPCR chairperson in September.
