SHILLONG, March 12: As many as 120 Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) projects, with a total cost of Rs 480.41 crore, are aimed at enhancing judicial infrastructure, including the construction of District Court and Sub-Divisional Court buildings. Currently, the execution of these projects is being overseen by the Department of Law.
Under this scheme, the government has already utilised Rs 37.76 crore, prioritising the development of the judiciary. An additional Rs 105.94 crore is required to complete all planned infrastructural project, said Law Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh to the House on Wednesday.
Apart from infrastructure development, the department is also focusing on Fast Track and Special Courts, especially for cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Five POCSO Special Courts have been set up — two in Shillong and one each in Nongpoh, Jowai, and Nongstoin. From 2020 to 2024, a sum of Rs 6.11 crore has been sanctioned for these courts, ensuring faster resolution of sensitive cases.
In a bid to further strengthen legal aid services, the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority is also providing legal assistance to weaker sections of society, including SC/STs, women, and economically disadvantaged groups. The authority also organises Lok Adalats for speedy dispute resolution and conducts mega legal awareness camps across the state.
Furthermore, plans are under way for the construction of the High Court of Meghalaya and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Mediation Centres in Shillong and Tura. A major upcoming project includes the establishment of the permanent campus of the National Law University (NLU), Meghalaya, which will further enhance legal education and research in the state, said Lyngdoh.
