Shillong witnessed a series of pivotal meetings aimed at fortifying the execution of centrally sponsored schemes and programmes under the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Minister of State Savitri Thakur, alongside top officials from Meghalaya’s Social Welfare Department, spearheaded a comprehensive review.
The core of the discussions centered on assessing the advancement of prominent schemes such as Poshan Abhiyan, Mission Shakti, and Mission Vatsalya. The minister underscored the imperative of reinforcing service delivery mechanisms at the grassroots level, with a particular focus on the operational efficiency of Anganwadi Centres.
The review illuminated crucial areas requiring attention, including the provision of consistent and high-quality supplementary nutrition under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), upgrading infrastructure at Anganwadi Centres to create environments conducive to children and women, utilizing technology for real-time monitoring and beneficiary tracking, fostering active community involvement, and enhancing the capabilities of Anganwadi workers to improve service outcomes.
Minister Thakur acknowledged, “Despite challenges in connectivity and electricity, officials are demonstrating unwavering dedication to ensure the effective implementation of all schemes. I commend their efforts and urge them to maintain timely updates on the Poshan Tracker, as these reports are vital for the Ministry to respond swiftly to on-ground needs.”
An extensive review with the East Khasi Hills District Administration was also conducted as part of the minister’s regional visit. Local MLA Ollan Singh Suin and representatives from various departments participated in the meeting, which featured detailed presentations on the progress of development schemes and infrastructure projects within the district. Discussions encompassed the implementation of schemes related to women and child development, health, education, rural development, and livelihood generation, along with an evaluation of progress in remote and rural areas and the identification of key challenges.
Concluding her visit, the Minister of State paid a courtesy call to Governor C H Vijayashankar, where they exchanged views on state-led initiatives designed to enhance women and child welfare and promote community-based interventions for inclusive development.