"We have approved the setting up of the Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights in the state which will go a long way in protecting the rights of children in the state," Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma told newsmen after the cabinet meeting held here.
He said the commission would comprise of a chairperson and six members including two women representatives.
He said the proposal for setting up of the Commission was examined by various departments in the government before approving it as per section 17 of the National Commission for protection of Child Rights Act, 2005 which stipulates that State Commission for Protection of Child Rights should be set up in all states.
"We want to effectively address the issue of protection of child rights through the State commission for Protection of Child Rights," Mukul said adding that the cabinet has also approved the rules of the proposed commission.
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights had repeatedly followed with the state government for setting up of the state commission.
An independent survey conducted by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, there are at least 343 child labour cases in mines and depots spread over 10 villages in East Jaintia Hills district, the then Khliehriat Sub-division.
"While the working and living conditions in the mines are deplorable, a situation where children work in them is truly a matter of concern," the report read.
National Commission for Protection of Child Rights member Yogesh Dubey said almost half of these children never attended school and more than 64 per cent were engaged in cutting and carrying coal – both extremely risky tasks.
The report said that while the mining industry was clearly aware of the issue of child labour and the illegality of the act, yet children, several of whom are from Nepal and Bangladesh continue to be employed.