Meghalaya child panel flags illegal groups sending minors out of state; seeks SoPs
News December 03, 2025

Meghalaya child panel flags illegal groups sending minors out of state; seeks SoPs

The call for SoPs follows the rescue of 24 Meghalaya children from a Karnataka student home recently.

**Meghalaya Child Panel Flags Illegal Groups Sending Minors Out of State; Seeks SoPs**

The Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR) has raised serious concerns about illegal organizations sending minors out of the state, prompting a call for stringent Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) to prevent further exploitation and ensure the safety of children. This urgent appeal comes in the wake of a recent rescue operation where 24 children from Meghalaya were found in a student home in Karnataka.

The MSCPCR believes that these organizations are operating without proper oversight, potentially exposing vulnerable children to risks such as forced labor, trafficking, and denial of education. The commission fears this incident is not isolated and highlights a potentially larger network exploiting the state's vulnerable population.

The rescue of the 24 children in Karnataka has shone a spotlight on the need for a more robust system to monitor and regulate the movement of children across state borders. The MSCPCR emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts between the Meghalaya government, law enforcement agencies, and child welfare organizations to effectively combat this issue.

The proposed SoPs would aim to establish clear guidelines for organizations involved in facilitating the movement of children for educational or other purposes. These guidelines would likely include mandatory registration, thorough background checks of individuals involved, and regular monitoring of the children's well-being in their new environment. Furthermore, the SoPs would likely detail procedures for verifying the consent of parents or guardians and ensuring that the children are being placed in safe and nurturing environments.

The MSCPCR stressed that the development of these SoPs must be a priority to safeguard children's rights and prevent them from falling prey to unscrupulous individuals and organizations. They are urging the state government to act swiftly to implement these measures and work collaboratively with other states to address this cross-border issue effectively. The hope is that these SoPs will create a much-needed framework to protect vulnerable children and ensure their well-being, preventing future incidents of exploitation and trafficking. The commission believes that proactive measures are crucial to ensure that every child in Meghalaya has the opportunity to grow and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
Category: Politics