Mawryngkneng MLA Heaving Stone Kharpran pointed out that crimes against children are increasing day by day due to ignorance of people about the existing laws.
“It is time that the public in general must be aware about the POCSO law so as to avoid different kinds of harassment for safeguarding the interest and well-being of the children,” Kharpran said while speaking as chief guest at the closing day of the one month programme on “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao “ (Save, protect and educate the daughter) programme organised by the office of the Block Development Officer, Mawryngkneng Community and Rural Development Block, East Khasi Hills yesterday at the Block headquarter.
Kharpran also lauded the sincere efforts put in by women for the betterment of the family and society. He added that the government has come up with many schemes for the benefit of girls and women in general. He called upon the teenage girls to uphold their moral character in action and words and to be a role model for others.
Speaking as the guest of honour, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Rossetta M. Kurbah stated that inspite of the hardship and difficulties they faced in life as they are being unrecognised and unacceptable of their opinions, ideas and thoughts for the betterment of the society, women yet performed their duties as mother, sister, aunty in the family with the help of the men.
Kurbah also called upon the responsible men to get the knowledge and understanding on women’s health and pregnancy. She also urged the girl students to be vigilant about their own being and to be cautious of the company of friends they keep for their own bright future.
Others who spoke at the concluding programme included Lorianna Kahit, Lady Supervisor, ICDS and Tamlin Diengdoh, Block Mission Coordinator, SSA, Mawryngkneng.
The day witnessed colourful displays of patriotic drill by children of Mission Upper Primary School and songs by Anganwadi workers and members of various Self Help Groups (SHGs).
Others present on the occasion included officers of the Health Department, ICDS, SSA Block Mission Coordinator, police personnel of Mawryngkneng Police Station, teachers, students, officers and staff of the Mawryngkneng Block office.
The welcome and keynote address was given by Mawryngkneng Block Development Officer Adiel R. Kynta, and the programme was anchored by Albinus Nongkynrih, Assistant Manager cum ERP in charge of Enterprise Facilitation Centre, Mawryngkneng.
The day was marked with presentation of awards to girls who excelled in the field of academics, sports and PwD (People with Disabilities) by Kharpran. Other highlights include exhibits and sale of products by producer groups and SHGs.
It may be recalled here that the week-long programme of various activities which included legal awareness on POCSO and Juvenile Justice Act and other activities such as health for adolescent girls and women conducted by Diengpasoh Primary Health Centre, academic competitions for abled and disabled girl students at different schools and locations were taken up by ICDS and Block Mission Coordinator, SSA, Mawryngkneng.
