Shillong, May 21: Practices like marrying off underage girls to widowers “are not possible now in the eyes of the law,” officials told students and parents in Jengjal on Wednesday, as the District Legal Service Authority (DLSA) held a POCSO awareness programme to tackle child abuse and rising teenage pregnancies in West Garo Hills.
The programme ‘Surakshit Bachpan, Surakshit Bhavishya’ under the NALSA (Jagriti) Scheme, 2025 was organised by DLSA of West Garo Hills at Government LP School, Megapgre, Jengjal. It focused on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2012.
DLSA secretary IR Marak said children were not separately mentioned in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the POCSO Act provides procedures “suitable for them.” She added that POCSO cases involve “a Special Judge, Special Court and child-friendly procedure.”
Flagging cultural practices, Marak mentioned about the ill-effects of the culture and traditions of the Garos where sometimes underage girls were married off to widowers, which is not possible now in the eyes of the law.
Police officer Jakre M Sangma stressed the need to report sexual offences and urged teachers to sensitise students. “Parents too have an important role to play in educating and instilling manners and values to their children,” he said.
Tanu R Marak from the District Child Protection Unit highlighted “increasing numbers of teenage pregnancy in the region,” pointing to its causes and effects, and sought public cooperation to ensure child safety. She also explained legal aid services for children in conflict, including the Juvenile Justice Board and Special Adoption Agency.
