Khagkongor new MSCPCR chief

After seven years of the protection of child rights having been passed by the Parliament, the Meghalaya cabinet today approved the appointment of Meena Kharkongor as the chairperson for the state commission for protection of child rights.
"The cabinet has approved the appointment of Meena Kharkongor as the chairperson of the MSCPCR," state Social Welfare Minister Deborah Marak told reporters after cabinet meet here.
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights have several times in the past asked the state to speed up the appointment of a full fledged commission for protection of child rights in the state to ensure justice to children below the age of 18.

Kharkongor, an advocate by profession is also the member of the Meghalaya State Women Commission (MSWC).
Kharkongor was shortlisted out of six candidates who have applied for the post by a screening committee headed by the social welfare Minister.
The cabinet has also asked the search committee to appoint five members of the commission within three weeks time, she said.
The state commission is tasked with protecting the rights of children and those in conflict with law to ensure that due process of law, as laid down in the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, was followed to ascertain the age of juveniles.