Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), Vijay Rahatkar, has voiced deep concern over a disturbing rise in single motherhood, HIV cases among women, and incidents of domestic violence in Meghalaya. The alarming trends, she said, require urgent and coordinated action from the state’s law enforcement and administrative machinery. Rahatkar, who is on an official visit to the state, chaired a high-level review meeting with Chief Secretary Donald P. Wahlang, Director General of Police (DGP) Idashisha Nongrang, and other senior police officials. During the meeting, she directed the Meghalaya Police to set up dedicated women’s help desks in all of the state’s 70-plus police stations. She also urged that anti-human trafficking units be established in every district at the earliest, to strengthen institutional mechanisms against crimes targeting women.
“I have reviewed how women in Shillong are benefiting from government welfare schemes and examined how laws meant to safeguard them are being implemented on the ground,” Rahatkar told reporters after the meeting.She drew attention to worrying data highlighted by the DGP, which points to a growing number of single mothers and rising HIV cases among women. Rahatkar described the situation as “serious and deeply concerning,” stressing the need for immediate interventions in healthcare, social support, and community outreach.In addition to these measures, the NCW chief called for stronger legal protections for women, a more robust cybercrime surveillance system via the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCCRP), and expanded gender sensitisation drives across schools, workplaces, and rural communities. According to her, the battle against domestic violence, sexual exploitation, and cyber harassment requires not only enforcement but also prevention through awareness and education.
She further emphasised that coordinated efforts between state agencies, NGOs, and community leaders will be key to addressing the underlying social and economic challenges that make women vulnerable. With Meghalaya facing these intertwined issues of public health, gender-based violence, and social stigma, Rahatkar’s visit serves as both a warning and a call to action for immediate, tangible change.