SHILLONG: The Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR) has taken action against an organisation sending children from Meghalaya to Karnataka without proper documentation and under poor conditions which came to light earlier this year.
This follows the rescue of 24 minor girls from Meghalaya, aged 8-13, from Sowmya Kesanupallii Student Home in Chikkaballapur district, Karnataka. They were allegedly sent by Leisynshar Cultural Society, an organisation “operating illegally” in the state.
Of the children, 10 hail from East Khasi Hills, seven from East Jaintia Hills, six from West Jaintia Hills, and one from West Khasi Hills. They were promised free education and hostel facilities.
The matter came to light when the Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee, Chikkaballapur, Karnataka, officially informed the Director of the Social Welfare Department on August 2, 2025, about the rescued children. Meghalaya Child Welfare Committee Chairpersons conducted a video conference with the children to understand the situation better. The children were sent to Karnataka in June 2025.
Chairperson Agatha Sangma said the organisation is operating illegally and has been blacklisted. “The DC has given an order to stop the organisation from functioning, and an official letter has been issued,” Sangma told reporters today after welcoming back the rescued girls to the state.
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The action follows a complaint filed by the MSCPCR with the Deputy Commissioner, leading to an order for the organisation to shut down immediately. “Now, they cannot function as an organization anymore,” she stated.
Regarding the rescued children, Sangma said, “The education of the children will be taken care of, and they will be absorbed in the coming academic session. The government and social welfare department will be looking into it.”
Sangma expressed concern over children being sent to other states for education, often being exploited by organisations claiming to provide better opportunities. “Most of these organisations are not taking children to better institutes; it is a hoax and manipulation. The Government of Meghalaya has been upgrading elementary and government schools to address this,” she added.
The children will temporarily stay at Children’s Home Girls Mawkasiang, Shillong. For their school enrollment, bridge courses, and preparatory classes, the Social Welfare Department will coordinate with the Education Department to ensure a smooth transition into the 2026 academic session, officials said.
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