Shillong, June 23: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has raised deep concern after learning that 364 children are living with HIV in Meghalaya and termed the situation ‘alarming’. This is in addition to over 8000 adults living with HIV in the State.

“About 364 children are affected with HIV. We have requested the department of women and child to examine all of them and if they are eligible to provide them sponsorship under section 45 of JJ Act, so they can receive the monetary benefits,” Chairperson of NCPCR, Priyank Kanoongo, said after a review meeting in the State on Saturday.

Stating that Meghalaya has over 8,000 adult people who are HIV positive, Kanoongo said, “We have requested them (government) to examine these families, if they have any child and who is needy and eligible for the benefits of sponsorship, provide them with a sponsorship benefits.”

In regards to crimes against children, the chairperson said that he had requested the state police authorities to appoint female police officials in police stations to work as child welfare police officers.

“I raised the issue in the meeting that the commission observed in some police stations where child abuse especially with abuse of girl child is prevailing. In the areas of such police station we have observed that adequate number of female police staffs is not there, so there is need to provide them,” he said while adding “We also requested to give child welfare committees with the training module, trained them with the training module developed by NCPCR to prevent these types of incidents.”

Asked on the recent incident at Kuliang where BSF were alleged to have molested a minor girl, the chairperson said, “I have not received any information but we will definitely issue notice; if required, we will send for enquiry if child is not getting benefit as per entitlement.”

Kanoongo said that the commission had also taken cognizance of the issue of teenage pregnancy in Meghalaya.

“We have discussed it at length and we asked a state government with some suggestions to work on it, to discuss with Community, to discuss with the council members and to create awareness through self-help groups,” he said.