MSCPCR Chief Agatha Sangma Urges Meghalaya Govt to Grant Working Mothers Weekly ‘Family Hours’

Chairperson of the Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR), Agatha Sangma, on Tuesday renewed her call for the state government to introduce a special policy giving women employees – particularly mothers – a few hours off every week exclusively to bond with their children.

Speaking to the media, the former Lok Sabha MP stressed that the time should be structured so mothers can focus on meaningful interaction rather than household tasks. “This is not about running errands or finishing chores – it is about sitting with your child, talking to them, understanding their world, and discussing vital topics like personal safety, safe and unsafe touch, and the challenges they face,” she said.

Sangma first floated the proposal in November after a conversation with a District Child Protection Officer who lamented having almost no quality time with her own children because of long working hours. The discussion inspired the MSCPCR chief to urge the government to set an example by granting working mothers dedicated weekly “family hours”.

She argued that regular, protected time for such conversations would strengthen parent-child communication, boost children’s emotional well-being, and play a preventive role in child protection by enabling early detection of any distress or risk.

Describing the suggestion as “productive and practical”, Sangma expressed hope that the Conrad Sangma-led government would seriously consider and implement the policy soon. No official response from the state government has been issued yet.

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