Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 564/19

ONE DAY JUDICIAL COLLOQUIUM ON THE ROLE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT IN COMBATING HUMAN TRAFFICKING

A one day Judicial Colloquium on the role of Law Enforcement in Combating Human Trafficking organised by the Meghalaya State Judicial Academy in collaboration with the International Justice Mission (IJM) and supported by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, was held today at Yojana Bhavan Auditorium, Shillong. The inaugural programme was graced by Justice H.S. Thangkhiew and Justice W. Diengdoh, Judges of the High Court of Meghalaya. The objective of the Colloquium is to strengthen the technical capacities of law enforcement agencies and judicial officers towards prosecution of crimes of human trafficking, sharing information and promoting best practices and to evolve mutually acceptable strategies in ensuring expeditious disposal of human trafficking crimes and protection of the rights of victims.

Judge, High Court of Meghalaya, Justice H.S. Thangkhiew said that human trafficking is confined not only to women but also to men and children. He said that as responsible citizens of the society, we have a social responsibility and have an important role to play in tackling human trafficking crimes. He also said that colloquium such as these offer a platform for discussing, sharing and exchanging ideas amongst all the stakeholders to come up with concrete solution to curb this menace.

Judge, High Court of Meghalaya, Justice W. Diengdoh in his address said that human trafficking is an age old problem and it happens not only in the international borders but across the nations. He hoped that through this colloquium, resource persons will deliberate on the measures to prevent and protect innocent children and people who are caught up in human trafficking.

A short video on “Bonded Labour” and “Sex Trafficking” were screened during the programme. The inaugural programme was followed by a technical session where resource persons Shri Saptarshi Biswas, Director, Legal, IJM, Kolkata and Smti Rosanna Lyngdoh, IMPULSE NGO Network deliberated on the topics, “The role of law enforcement in combating human trafficking” and “Combating human trafficking through IMPULSE model” respectively.

Press Release No. 565/19

PENSION WEEK CELEBRATION

Along with the rest of the country, the “Pension Week” was launched today in the State capital, Shillong, by Shri D.P. Wahlang, Principal Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Labour Department. The programme organized by the Labour Department, Government of Meghalaya and Office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District was also attended by Shri R. Rapthap, Secretary Labour Department, Smti M. War Nongbri, Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills, Shri B. Mawlong, Labour Commissioner, BDOs, senior government officials, members of the unorganized sector, among others.

In his inaugural speech, Shri Wahlang informed that the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan, a government scheme meant for old age protection and social security of Unorganized Workers (UW) while National Pension Scheme for Traders and Self Employed Persons were launched by the Union Government for benefit of workers of various unorganized sectors and for traders respectively. Stating that these pension schemes are voluntary and contributory in nature in which the government will also make a matching contribution, Shri Wahlang also informed that unorganized workers, traders and self employed persons in the age group of 18 to 40 years are eligible to join the scheme with monthly contribution ranging between Rs.55 to Rs.200 depending on age on the time of enrollment till they attain the age of 60 years.

Pointing out that under the schemes, the subscriber would receive a minimum assured pension of Rs 3000/- per month after attaining the age of 60 years and said that if the subscriber die, the spouse of the beneficiary shall be entitled to receive family pension, Shri Wahlang said that family pension is applicable only to spouse of the deceased. He urged all workers of unorganized sectors and traders to avail the schemes and appealed to them to visit their nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or their Block Offices for enrollment.

Smti M. War Nongbri informed that unorganized workers who are mostly engaged as home based workers, street vendors, mid-day meal workers, head loaders, brick kiln workers, cobblers, rag pickers, domestic workers, washer men, rickshaw pullers, landless laborers, own account workers, agricultural workers, construction workers, beedi workers, handloom workers, leather workers, audio- visual workers or workers in similar other occupations whose monthly income is Rs.15,000 or less are eligible for benefit under the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan. Smti Nongbri, further informed that small Scale Traders and Retailers, individuals who are self-employed and are working as shop owners, retail traders, rice mill owners, oil mill owners, workshop owners, commission agents, brokers of real estate, owners of small hotels, restaurants and others with similar occupations whose annual turnover does not exceed Rs 1.5 crore are eligible for benefit under the National Pension Scheme for Traders and Self Employed Persons.

Other highlights of the day are live webcasting of the address of the Union Labour Minister of State, I/c for Labour and Employment, Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, testimonies of workers who enrolled for the schemes and spot enrollment for the pension schemes in the State Central Library premises.