Meghalaya records 58% sexual offences

Shillong: The matrilineal state of Meghalaya has recorded 58% of cases involving sexual offences, a revelation made at the launch of the “NEYI CHETNA 2.0” National Gender Campaign organised by Meghalaya State Rural Livelihoods Society (MSRLS) at U Soso Tham Auditorium in the State Central Library here on Monday.Highlighting the need to address the widespread concern of escalating gender-based violence against women, it was revealed that Meghalaya has 58% of reported cases involving sexual offences, as disclosed in the Meghalaya Police website portal. Notably, the period from 2007 to 2022 recorded the highest instances of cases falling under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.“As part of its comprehensive efforts, Meghalaya has successfully promoted 45,000 self-help groups (SHGs), engaging over 4 lakh women as active members across the state,” an official statement said.State health and family welfare minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, who participated in the event virtually, underscored that gender-based violence, specifically violence against women and girls, is a global pandemic.She noted that this generation is marked by active participation, and in states like Meghalaya, significant progress has been made after years of testing national rural livelihood mission (NRLM) programmes. Highlighting the state’s advancement in forming community-driven organisations within the livelihood mission, she acknowledged the challenges that come with such mission-mode activities.“In the ongoing NRLM programme, we anticipate facing challenges. Currently, the programme is directed towards recognising women in their natural settings. This poses a substantial challenge, not only for the women themselves but also for those around them,” the only woman minister in the state said.East Khasi Hills deputy commissioner R M Kurbah, in her address, explained that the greatest role in bringing in change is that of the community.

SHGs to lead campaign against gender-based violence

To combat gender-based violence, the Centre has empowered Self Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas to enhance community outreach. The campaign aims to equip 9.8 crore women SHG members to address gender-based violence. Globally, 1 in 3 women experience gender-based violence. In India, over 77% of women do not report their experiences of violence. The month-long campaign, Nayi Chetna - Pahal Badlav Ki, focuses on empowering women SHG members to fight domestic violence and prevent child marriages. The campaign includes awareness programs, forums, and sensitization workshops for police and health workers.

Contraband worth Rs 11L seized in Meghalaya

Troops of BSF Meghalaya seized Indian sugar weighing 5000 kg in Dambukaphal, West Garo Hills, and intercepted a pick-up vehicle carrying miscellaneous items in Kasinda, East Khasi Hills, both meant to be smuggled into Bangladesh. The seized contraband items are worth more than Rs 11 lakh.

Darshan Nalkande, Karun Nair shine but Vidarbha struggle to beat Meghalaya in Vijay Hazare Trophy

Vidarbha defeated Meghalaya by 32 runs in their inaugural match of the Vijay Hazare Trophy (Group B). Meghalaya put pressure on Vidarbha during the 50-over match, with a fighting partnership by Kishan Lyndoh and Swarajeet Das. Rajneesh Gurbani provided the breakthrough for Vidarbha, stopping Meghalaya's charge. Vidarbha bowlers secured an easy win with Darshan Nalkande as the most successful bowler. Earlier, Vidarbha overcame early hiccups to reach a decent total of 243 for 9. In other matches, Services, Jharkhand, and Hyderabad emerged victorious.

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