Nongpoh, Dec. 2: In a significant visit to Ri Bhoi District, Meghalaya, Smti. Annapurna Devi, Hon’ble Union Minister for Women and Child Development, engaged with key stakeholders and community members on Nov 30th, spotlighting maternal and child health and early childhood development initiatives. During her visit, the minister heard community grievances and demands for revisiting the current packaged Take Home Rations (THR) under Supplementary Nutrition Program (SNP)-ICDS, assuring them of action at the central level.
The Union Minister was accompanied by the Development Commissioner & Principal Secretary, Mr. Sampath Kumar, IAS; Pravin Bakshi-IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Social Welfare Department; Ramakrishna Chitturi, Joint Secretary, Social Welfare Department; C.D Lyngwa, Director Social Welfare, Deputy Commissioner Ribhoi Abhilash Baranwal, BDO- RiBhoi, the BDO- Eric Kevin Dkhar, and key officials from the district and line departments including Health and Social Welfare Department and Meghalaya State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLS).
At the Anganwadi Centre in Saiden Village, the minister interacted with caregivers and women SHG members who expressed the urgent need to revamp the take-home rations under ICDS-SNP, citing the lack of locally tailored nutritional solutions and limited coverage in certain areas. SHG members emphasized the importance of integrating locally sourced and culturally relevant food options to ensure better nutrition outcomes for children and pregnant mothers. Acknowledging their concerns, the Union Minister assured, “Your voices have been heard. I will follow up on this matter to ensure the THR under SNP-ICDS is localized and its coverage extended to all uncovered villages.”
During her visit to Byrnihat’s Primary Health Centre and the Chief Minister’s Safe Motherhood Scheme (CM-SMS) Transit Home, the minister praised Meghalaya’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) Mission and CM-SMS for their transformative impact. Officials highlighted that CM-SMS has reduced maternal deaths by nearly 50% in four years. Lauding these initiatives, the Union Minister described the ECD Mission as a scalable model for the rest of India, emphasizing its focus on brain development and early interventions. Demonstrations of brain-wiring games showcased the mission’s innovative approach to child development. The minister also engaged with SHG members, commending their efforts in creating livelihood opportunities for women. “Through SHGs, women are finding opportunities to uplift themselves and their families.
The Government of India is committed to supporting such initiatives to empower women and strengthen communities,” she stated. A district review meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office highlighted ongoing developmental challenges and strategies for improving connectivity and service delivery. The minister reiterated her commitment to following up on proposals raised by the state, including improving ICDS-SNP preferences and ensuring all beneficiaries receive quality services.
Concluding the visit, the Union Minister underscored the importance of community involvement and interdepartmental collaboration in driving progress. “Meghalaya’s efforts are a benchmark for India. We must work together to ensure no child or mother is left behind,” she emphasized. This visit reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing local needs while showcasing Meghalaya’s innovative models as potential templates for
national progress.
