Meghalaya Commission Raises Concerns Over Unregistered Child Education Organizations

The Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has raised serious concerns regarding organizations operating without legal authorization that send children out of the state for education. Chairperson Agatha Sangma highlighted the need for a clear Standard Operating Procedure to ensure the safety of minors. The commission's warning follows the rescue of 24 children from an unapproved institution in Karnataka. Parents are urged to remain vigilant about the organizations they trust with their children's education. The commission emphasizes that without proper regulations, the safety of children remains at risk.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 3, 2025, 14:22 IST

Concerns Over Child Safety in Meghalaya

Shillong, Dec 3: The Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR) has issued a warning regarding organizations that are allegedly operating without proper legal authorization and are sending children out of the state under the guise of educational opportunities.

Agatha Sangma, the Chairperson of MSCPCR, stated on Tuesday that the commission has discovered that numerous groups are transporting minors to educational institutions outside of Meghalaya without the necessary registration or approval from local authorities.

“These organizations are sending children away under the pretense of education, yet they lack the required legal status and are functioning unlawfully,” she remarked.

The commission has reached out to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, requesting the establishment of a clear Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) to oversee this process.

“The aim of these SoPs is to guarantee that our children are sent safely to these institutions, ensuring a transparent and coordinated approach,” Sangma emphasized, noting that these protocols would specifically apply to minors under 18 years old.

She highlighted that any organization wishing to send minors out of the state must first comply with legal requirements.

Agatha specifically pointed out the Lei Synshar Cultural Society, which she claimed is operating without the necessary approvals while sending children for education outside Meghalaya.

She urged parents and the community to stay alert to protect the safety and security of children.

This call for SoPs follows the recent rescue and repatriation of 24 children from Meghalaya, who were located at the Sowmya Kesanupalli Student Home in Chikkaballapura district, Karnataka.

The children, aged between eight and thirteen, were returned after authorities determined that their living conditions did not meet required standards. The case is currently under review by the Karnataka High Court.

These children came from various districts, including ten from East Khasi Hills, seven from East Jaintia Hills, six from West Jaintia Hills, and one from West Khasi Hills.

Officials reported that they had been sent to Karnataka in June 2025 by the Lei Synshar Cultural Society, which allegedly required parents to contribute only a travel donation while promising free education and accommodation.

Camelia Doreen Lyngwa, the Director of Social Welfare, mentioned that the department is actively working under Mission Vatsalya to ensure that the rescued children receive adequate care, protection, housing, and nutrition.

She expressed gratitude to the Karnataka government for promptly addressing the issue and collaborating with Meghalaya authorities.

Lyngwa also cautioned parents to be vigilant, as many were unaware of the institutions where their children had been sent.

The MSCPCR reiterated that without the implementation and enforcement of comprehensive SoPs, the safety and well-being of children being sent out of the state will remain jeopardized.