Govt aims to improve the conviction rate by separating investigation and prosecution processes
Shillong, Aug 8: Chief Secretary DP Wahlang on Friday said the state government has taken adequate steps to improve the conviction rate in crimes against women in the state.
According to Wahlang, the government has established a separate Directorate of Prosecution, which will exclusively handle prosecution cases.
“We have taken adequate steps from the state government by forming a separate Directorate of Prosecution this year (to exclusively handle the prosecution cases),” Wahlang told reporters while informing that additional public prosecutors have been appointed.
“Public prosecutors will be appointed in all districts to strengthen the prosecution system,” Wahlang also announced.
The government aims to improve the conviction rate by separating the investigation and prosecution processes.
The chief secretary explained that the establishment of fast track and special courts depends on the specific laws and statutes. Wherever required, the government has notified fast track courts to expedite the trial process.
When asked, Wahlang attributed the reported cases of crimes against women to the existing societal issues rather than a sudden spike. He emphasized that despite being a matrilineal society, crimes against women still occur, but there is no evidence of a recent surge.
“It is not that there is a sudden spike in crimes against women. What I mention is that being a matrilineal society, it should ideally be a situation where we don’t have much crime. But crime is there against women, there are some cases but it is not that there is a spike,” he added.
On the visit of the NCW chairperson, Wahlang informed that a meeting was held which focused on various issues affecting women in the state, including drug abuse and domestic violence.
The NCW chairperson expressed concern over the increasing cases of drug abuse and crimes against women in Meghalaya.
The Chief Secretary has briefed the NCW chairperson about the state’s initiatives, including the One Stop Centre – a dedicated center for women affected by domestic violence, providing support and care – and the DREAM project which aimed at eliminating drug abuse and provide support to those affected.
Wahlang said the NCW chairperson was also informed about the steps taken by the police department to address the issue of drug abuse and domestic violence.
The chairperson expressed some concerns but was generally satisfied with the state government’s response, he said while informing that the NCW chairperson has announced plans to revisit Meghalaya in six months to reassess the progress made by the state government in addressing these issues .
