As part of the Human Development Leadership Programme (HDLP), a field visit to Rngi Shillong, a village under Mylliem Block, was conducted on 23rd May 2025. Rngi Shillong, a village under Mylliem Block, stood out during the Human Development Leadership Programme field visit not for its progress, but for its pressing development challenges. The data tells a stark story—home births outnumber institutional deliveries, with over 60% of women delivering at home, often without trained assistance. Fertility rates remain high, Aadhar enrolment is worryingly low, and dropout rates from schools are on the rise. There is limited awareness about immunization schedules, and many residents lack clarity about the benefits of Self Help Groups (SHGs). Perhaps most concerning is the deep mistrust in government interventions, which has created resistance even to essential health and social welfare schemes.
To address these gaps, the HDLP team initiated targeted IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) efforts during the visit. Immediate counselling was provided to address misbeliefs, and inter-sectoral meetings were held to design coordinated solutions. Crucial health contact numbers—including those of ASHA workers and ambulance services—were shared with the community. Moving forward, actionable strategies include doorstep delivery of Aadhar services, engagement of religious leaders for advocacy, training of traditional birth attendants, and leveraging VHC funds to establish new immunization centres.
Additionally, rebranding Aadhar as “Ka jingpynithuh” (a symbol of awareness) and linking immunization to free education opportunities at JNV were proposed to nudge behaviour. Rngi Shillong may be behind, but the roadmap to recovery is now clearer than ever.
