Shillong, Nov, 2: The Director of Social Welfare, Meghalaya, Smt. Doreen Lyngwa, MCS, today briefed media persons following a detailed review meeting of the Social Welfare Department held recently at the Cabinet Room, Main Secretariat, Shillong.
The review meeting, chaired earlier by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, was convened to assess the functioning and progress of various welfare programmes and schemes under the department. These include initiatives aimed at supporting women, children, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and other vulnerable groups across the state.
Addressing the media, Director Lyngwa said the meeting provided an important platform to evaluate the implementation status of key central and state schemes such as the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Poshan Abhiyaan, Mission Vatsalya, Mission Shakti, and programmes for persons with disabilities.
She informed that the department is closely monitoring field-level progress through district offices and Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) to ensure that services and benefits reach the intended beneficiaries in all regions of Meghalaya. Special focus, she added, is being placed on strengthening nutrition services, child protection mechanisms, and women empowerment programmes through capacity building, digital monitoring, and enhanced coordination among implementing agencies.
Highlighting the government’s commitment, Lyngwa noted that under the leadership of the Chief Minister and the guidance of the Department’s Adviser, Paul Lyngdoh, the Social Welfare Department is adopting a more result-oriented approach to service delivery. Efforts are underway to improve data transparency, ensure timely fund utilisation, and promote community participation to make welfare schemes more effective and sustainable.
During the briefing, she also acknowledged ongoing challenges such as manpower shortages, difficult terrain in remote areas, and the need for heightened awareness at the grassroots level. She assured that corrective steps are being taken to bridge these gaps and strengthen coordination with line departments, district administrations, and local institutions.
Director Lyngwa concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring that every child, woman, and vulnerable individual receives the support, protection, and opportunities they need to lead a dignified and empowered life.
