Meghalaya has taken charge of 24 children rescued from an unregistered Karnataka institution, raising concerns about unsafe transfers of minors.


In a coordinated interstate intervention, the Meghalaya Directorate of Social Welfare has formally taken custody of 24 children rescued from a private residential education facility in Chikkaballapur district, Karnataka. Officials from Meghalaya allege that the institution, which housed minors from the northeastern state, was found to be in poor condition and operating without valid permissions.

The operation was carried out following concerns raised by child-rights groups and district authorities. According to officials, the children have now been safely transported back to Meghalaya, where they will undergo counselling, health checks, and reintegration assessments.

Allegations of illegal transfer of minors

Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) Chairperson and former Union minister Agatha Sangma stated that the organisation responsible for sending the children to Karnataka was functioning illegally.

“The organisation which was sending these children to Karnataka was found to be illegal, and we have taken action. The deputy commissioner has issued a letter to them banning their operations, and required legal action will be taken,” Sangma said.

She added that the case reflects a growing concern: children are increasingly being transported out of Meghalaya without adherence to mandatory legal procedures.

Rising cases of unregulated child movement

Sangma pointed out that several unregistered groups appear to be transferring minors to institutions outside the state under the pretext of education.

“Some of these children are being sent outside the state on the pretext of education; however, these organisations are not registered and are operating illegally,” she said.
“The commission has written to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, urging the government to frame a clear Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to regulate the process.”

The SCPCR emphasised that a transparent, coordinated mechanism is urgently needed to ensure children’s safety and prevent exploitation.

Call for a clear SOP for interstate transfers

The Commission has already written to the Chief Minister, recommending the formulation of a Standard Operating Procedure for the movement of children below 18 years to institutions outside Meghalaya. The SOP would require registration, approval, periodic monitoring, and strict documentation to safeguard children’s rights.

Officials say that the lack of standardised guidelines often leads to gaps in oversight, making minors vulnerable to neglect or trafficking risks. The Meghalaya government is expected to review the SCPCR’s recommendations in the coming weeks.

Coordination between Karnataka and Meghalaya

Authorities in Chikkaballapur assisted Meghalaya officials during the rescue, ensuring that the children were safely handed over. The case underscores the need for interstate coordination, especially when unregistered institutions operate without adequate surveillance.

Karnataka authorities have also initiated parallel inquiries into the condition of the institution and its compliance with child-protection norms.
For related reports on institutional oversight in Karnataka, readers may refer to:

  • Child protection teams intensify inspections across Karnataka (newskarnataka.com link)
  • Karnataka strengthens monitoring of private education homes (newskarnataka.com link)

To provide broader context, the global framework on child protection can be explored through Child protection – Wikipedia.

Ensuring safety and transparency

The rescue highlights the urgent need for structured policies to regulate educational placements and children’s movement across state borders. Both states have reiterated their commitment to ensuring that children are placed only in vetted, registered, and well-monitored institutions.

As the investigation proceeds, the rescued children are now under the care of Meghalaya’s Social Welfare Department, which will oversee their rehabilitation and ensure their rights are fully safeguarded.