Northeast Desk, 23th June: In a recent meeting with 16 departments of the Meghalaya state government, Priyank Kanoongo, Chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), disclosed that 364 children in the state are infected with HIV. The meeting, held on June 22, aimed to address pressing issues affecting children in Meghalaya.
Kanoongo described the situation as alarming and directed the relevant departments to explore the possibility of providing sponsorship under Section 45 of the Juvenile Justice Act. This provision could enable affected children to receive financial assistance from the government.
In addition to the children, the state has over 8,000 adults infected with HIV. The NCPCR has instructed the department to examine the affected families and children to ensure they also receive necessary monetary support.
The commission further recommended a survey of 4,000 children with disabilities to gather information on financial aid, certification, and other essential details. Awareness programs on child protection rights, teenage pregnancies, and the POCSO Act are also planned to educate the public on these critical issues.
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