Directorate of Prosecution
SHILLONG, Aug 8: The Meghalaya government is counting on the newly-constituted Directorate of Prosecution to address concerns about the low conviction rate for crimes against women in the state.
Chief Secretary DP Wahlang, who held a review meeting with the chairperson of National Commission for Women (NCW) Vijaya K Rahatkar here on Friday, said conviction depends on the stretch of the prosecution.
“The Directorate will be exclusive. It will not do any investigation but will be in charge of prosecution,” Wahlang said.
The government has already appointed an additional public prosecutor in East Khasi Hills district. Public prosecutors will be appointed in all other districts.
“By separating the prosecution and investigation, we hope to get additional strength as far as prosecution is concerned,” Wahlang said, adding that there will be no more confusion with this move.
Asked about fast track courts, he said it depends on laws and Acts. While some have provisions, others do not have. The government has notified the same wherever required, he added.
The Chief Secretary said there is no sudden spike in crime against women in Meghalaya. He said although there should not be any crime considering that Meghalaya is a matrilineal society, yet crime against women exists in the state.
The NCW expressed concern that Meghalaya has a large number of single mothers, women living with HIV, and individuals falling prey to drug abuse.
Rahatkar told reporters these pertinent and alarming issues were highlighted during the discussion. She said Wahlang assured the Commission that the state government would take concrete measures to address these challenges.
Rahatkar also voiced concern over the rising number of crimes against women in Meghalaya. She said while the government and the police are working through various policies to curb such crimes, societal involvement is equally crucial.
“Crime against women will only come down if everyone works together,” she stressed.
The NCW chairperson said the conviction rate for crimes against women in Meghalaya remains unsatisfactory and called for urgent improvement. She said the police had assured her that steps would be taken to raise conviction rates.
The meeting covered the implementation of schemes and programmes for women’s welfare. Rahatkar urged the state government to ensure that these initiatives are effectively executed so that every woman benefits.
Discussions were also held on Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, and Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
Anti-human trafficking measures were discussed with senior police officials. Rahatkar emphasised the need for special protections to ensure the safety and growth of women in Meghalaya.
Women involved in drug peddling
Speaking about the meeting with the NCW Chairperson, Chief Secretary Wahlang said she expressed concern over the presence of women involved in drug abuse in the state, as well as the rising cases of domestic violence. On the issue of domestic violence, Wahlang said the delegation briefed the Chairperson about the functioning of One Stop Centres, where women facing abuse can call for help and receive necessary care and support.
Admitting that drug abuse remains a major challenge, he informed that the NCW Chairperson also held a separate meeting with the police department. According to him, the police apprised the commission of various measures being taken and discussed the “Dream Project,” which is part of the department’s mandate to eliminate drug abuse and rehabilitate those trapped in addiction.
The Chief Secretary noted that the NCW appeared largely satisfied with the state government’s response, adding that a follow-up visit is likely in six months to reassess the situation. Wahlang further said the meeting also included discussions on various schemes and programmes of the Social Welfare Department.
The NCW chairperson, accompanied by NCW member Delina Khongdup, arrived in Shillong on Thursday evening on a two-day visit.
The meeting was also attended by Commissioner and Secretary Pravin Bakshi, Inspector General of Police (SB/Border) Dalton P Marak, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Eastern Range) Davis R Marak along with senior government and police officials.