Union Minister of State SP Singh Baghel has come away satisfied with the way that work to implement centrally-sponsored schemes is being carried out in Meghalaya.
Baghel, who was on a two-day visit, interacted with members of the High Court of Meghalaya Bar Association and members of the Shillong Bar Association while also carrying out field inspections of NEIGRIHMS, a state dispensary and juvenile home.
Speaking with mediapersons, Baghel said, “The work done is okay and utilisation certificate is also given on time. The quality of work is good, they (Meghalaya government) have made more demands for the pending work. They have asked to increase the budget. This year Rs 16 crore was alloted by our department.”
More than Rs 700 crore has been sanctioned for infrastructure in the state, especially for the work of five POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Courts. Baghel is the junior minister in the Law Ministry.
On his visit to the juvenile centre, he found that out of the 17 inmates there, 15 are being held under POCSO.
“It is the responsibility of society to give them good quality education and ensure that they are in a good family atmosphere. There should be counseling and also allow them to follow religious practices by bringing priests or religious leaders to share religious messages to them,” he said, adding that POCSO cases are on the rise in all parts of India and the situation is not unique to Meghalaya.
The state also has a lower number than would otherwise be expected of murder, dacoity or theft cases, he added.
If incarcerated for petty crime, parents need to take greater responsibility for their children to ensure that they have good education and immediately correct them before their children ‘graduate’ to more serious crimes, Baghel said, while also emphasising on the need for the provision of legal aid and counseling. He also said that involving juvenile prisoners in other activities, such as sport and yoga, is also important.
