Shillong, April 10: The Meghalaya Legislative Assembly’s Estimates Committee has directed the Social Welfare Department to mobilise funds from both state and central governments to establish Anganwadi centres in more than 1,600 villages currently lacking such facilities.
Chairing a review meeting on Friday, committee chairman Mayralborn Syiem expressed concern over the large number of uncovered villages.
“We are concerned about the uncovered villages which do not have Anganwadi centres. There are more than 1,600 villages without these facilities. We have advised the Social Welfare Department to find ways and means to secure funds from the central and state governments,” he said.
The committee also stressed the need to address pressing social issues such as early marriage and teenage pregnancy. Syiem highlighted the importance of public awareness and youth sensitisation through initiatives like Mission 1000.
“We need to sensitise our young boys and girls to address issues like teenage pregnancy. Religious leaders, traditional heads, women’s organisations, NGOs, and civil society must be involved to help people understand the role of the Social Welfare Department,” he said.
Calling for a collective approach, Syiem emphasised the responsibility of all stakeholders in tackling broader social challenges.
“As legislators, it is our duty to raise awareness at every public platform—saying no to drugs, early marriage, teenage pregnancy, tobacco, and other societal issues. We must work together for the benefit of all,” he added.
Commenting on the recent police crackdown on prostitution in Shillong, Syiem said discussions focused on underlying social causes and the need for coordinated efforts among departments.
“All concerned departments must work coherently and converge to ensure safety, security, and social wellbeing,” he said.
The committee also reviewed the functioning of several other departments, including education, Public Works Department (PWD), Public Health Engineering (PHE), Information Technology, and Home (Police).
“The committee is not here to point fingers or assign blame, but to ensure that provisions approved in the Assembly budgets reach the last mile and benefit the public at large,” Syiem noted.
