The Social Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya, organised an event on 26 May 2025, focused on strengthening public service delivery through technology, compassion, and inclusion. Held in the presence of key dignitaries, the programme brought together frontline workers, community leaders, and government officials to celebrate impactful interventions aimed at improving the lives of women, children, and the most vulnerable groups in the state.
Key Announcements and Distributions
One of the highlights of the event was the distribution of over 6,600 smartphones to Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) from districts across the state. These devices will support real-time data collection through the POSHAN Tracker, helping identify high-risk pregnancies, malnourished children, and improve the overall delivery of maternal and child health services.
Additionally, 1,000 EchoH2O water filters, developed by IIT, were distributed to Anganwadi Centres and schools to provide access to safe drinking water and reduce the risk of water-borne diseases.
The government also awarded certificates to women from Shillong and Jowai who had undergone skill-based training, supporting their journey toward self-employment and reintegration. CM-Care cheques were distributed to beneficiaries in need of financial assistance for health expenses, reaffirming the government’s support for families facing medical hardship. Children from institutional homes who excelled in their SSLC exams were felicitated for their academic achievement.
Foundation stones were laid for a new Children’s Home for Boys in Nongstoin and a One Stop Centre at Ganesh Das Hospital in Shillong, aimed at expanding support services for children and women in distress.
Cultural and Community Highlights
The event also featured a musical tribute by Anganwadi Workers from Mawryngkneng and a vibrant performance by boys from the Children’s Home in Mawkasiang. A spirited women’s football match between RUFC and Bright Future (Mairang), won by RUFC, symbolised empowerment through recreation. Songs and performances throughout the day showcased community pride and solidarity.
Leadership Speaks: Ministerial & Chief Ministerial Remarks
Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma, in his keynote address, paid heartfelt tribute to Anganwadi Workers, calling them the true foot soldiers of social transformation. He noted that their everyday work—supporting mothers, feeding children, and gathering critical data—forms the backbone of health and nutrition services in Meghalaya. He shared that since 2018, the state has reduced maternal mortality by 45%, thanks to real-time tracking and field-level action driven by AWWs.
He highlighted how digital tools like the POSHAN Tracker, Mother App, and Safe Motherhood initiatives feed data into systems like MegHealth, helping officials make timely decisions on resource allocation, medicine availability, and urgent intervention. He also announced the upcoming CM Care Plus scheme to provide extended medical support to BPL families.
In his speech, Social Welfare Minister Shri Paul Lyngdoh emphasized that true public service begins with empathy, humility, and action. He thanked AWWs and CDPOs for their tireless work and reiterated that the government’s delivery-first approach is about real impact, not token gestures. “We are not just distributing phones,” he said, “we are equipping frontline workers with tools to save lives.”
This event underscored the state’s continued effort to create a people-first, data-informed, and digitally empowered welfare system—one that places trust in frontline workers and prioritises the needs of every community it serves.
The event was graced by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Social Welfare Minister Shri Paul Lyngdoh, MLAs Shri Banteidor Lyngdoh and Shri Noorul Hassan, along with senior officials including Commissioner & Secretary Shri Pravin Bakshi, Director Smt. C. Doreen Lyngwa, MSCW Chairperson Kong Iamonlang Syiem, and DREAM Director Francis Kharshiing.