Shillong, November 12, 2025: In a significant move aimed at addressing child protection and gender-based violence, the Meghalaya social welfare department has finalised draft Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to tackle early marriages and cases of violence against women and children. The draft has been submitted to the state’s advocate general for legal vetting, after which it is expected to be presented to the Meghalaya High Court and made public.

The proposed SOPs are designed to provide a uniform and structured framework for law enforcement agencies, social workers, and local institutions in handling cases involving minors and women affected by abuse. Once implemented, these procedures are expected to enhance coordination among various stakeholders, streamline reporting mechanisms, and ensure timely intervention in situations of early marriage or gender-based violence.

Bridging the Gap Between Custom and Law

Paul Lyngdoh, adviser to the social welfare department, emphasised that the SOPs aim to bridge the gap between traditional practices prevalent in rural communities and existing legal frameworks, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. “The challenge is to strike a balance between cultural realities and the law of the land,” Lyngdoh said. “Early marriages are widespread, and the law has to be implemented in a way that is both effective and sensitive to local contexts.”

He explained that in many remote parts of Meghalaya, enforcement of child protection laws remains challenging due to a lack of awareness among communities. “We don’t have child marriage as an institutional practice, yet early marriages are common across the state. Girls as young as 13 or 14 are often forced into marriage and pregnancy. When enforcement occurs, villages often plead ignorance, citing long-standing customs,” Lyngdoh said.

Statewide Awareness and Education Campaign

Alongside the SOPs, the department is planning a comprehensive awareness campaign to educate communities about child protection and gender-based laws. Counsellors, legal experts, and Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) will be mobilised to reach remote villages, ensuring that both children and adults understand the legal implications of early marriage and abuse.

Lyngdoh stressed the importance of community engagement in enforcement efforts. “Strong community participation is crucial. Village Defence Parties (VDPs) can play a key role as legally sanctioned foot soldiers of the police. If local residents are aware of the laws and willing to support enforcement, we can create a system that prevents abuse and reduces violence against women and children,” he said.

VDPs, often the first responders in rural areas where police outposts are several hours away, can monitor suspicious activities, assist in reporting violations, and ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals. By empowering these local bodies, the state government hopes to strengthen the link between law enforcement and community action, thereby reducing delays in addressing cases of abuse.

Legal Vetting and Implementation

The SOPs are currently under review by the state’s advocate general to ensure they are legally robust and consistent with existing statutes. Once cleared, the procedures will be submitted to the Meghalaya High Court and subsequently made public. The government has not yet provided a timeline for their formal implementation.

The draft SOPs are expected to address several critical aspects, including identification of at-risk children, rapid reporting and intervention, counselling, rehabilitation, and coordination between social welfare, health, and police departments. They also emphasise preventive measures, awareness campaigns, and training for frontline workers to sensitise them about legal provisions and appropriate response mechanisms.

Focus on Community Policing

Lyngdoh highlighted that effective implementation requires active participation from communities. In many rural areas, police presence is limited, and enforcement of laws against early marriage and gender-based violence is difficult without local support. “Community policing must become part of the solution,” he said. “Villagers, VDP members, and local leaders can serve as the first line of defence against exploitation and abuse, ensuring that violations are reported promptly and addressed effectively.”

He also stressed the need for culturally sensitive approaches that respect local traditions while enforcing legal protections. By combining awareness campaigns, legal education, and community involvement, the government hopes to create a preventive ecosystem that reduces incidents of early marriage and violence against women and children across Meghalaya.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the proposed SOPs and awareness initiatives, challenges remain. Many rural communities continue to rely on traditional practices and may resist legal intervention. Ensuring consistent implementation across all districts, particularly remote and inaccessible areas, will require significant resources, coordination, and political will.

Furthermore, the effectiveness of the SOPs will depend on collaboration among multiple agencies, including law enforcement, health departments, social welfare authorities, and local governance bodies. Training and capacity-building for frontline workers will be crucial to ensure that the procedures are followed correctly and that vulnerable children and women receive timely protection and support.

A Step Towards Child and Women Protection

The finalisation of the SOPs represents a proactive step by the Meghalaya government to align state-level practices with national laws and international standards for child and women protection. By establishing clear guidelines for prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation, the government aims to reduce instances of early marriage and violence, while fostering a culture of awareness, accountability, and legal compliance.

The proposed measures, once implemented, are expected to empower communities, strengthen the role of local authorities, and create a safer environment for children and women in Meghalaya, particularly in areas where enforcement has historically been challenging.