Shillong, March 2: Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar on Monday conducted an extensive review of Centrally Sponsored Schemes in Meghalaya, combining field inspections with a district-level review meeting in East Khasi Hills.
The visit forms part of the Centre’s ongoing outreach to Northeastern states, under which Union Ministers periodically assess on-ground implementation of flagship programmes.
Field Inspections Across Sectors
The Minister began his engagements at a Government Girls’ Higher Secondary School operating under the PM SHRI Schools Scheme initiative in Shillong’s Police Bazar area. Interacting with students and teachers, he reviewed infrastructure upgrades and encouraged students to pursue both academic excellence and skill development.
He later inspected the Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC) at Mewpat, reviewing outpatient services, maternal and child healthcare facilities, immunisation coverage and diagnostic services. Stressing preventive healthcare, he called for uninterrupted delivery of essential services.
At an Anganwadi Centre in Mawdiangdiang, Kumar assessed nutrition and early childhood care services and interacted with beneficiaries. He underscored the importance of community participation in improving child health outcomes.
The Minister also visited a de-addiction-cum-counselling centre and a child care institution at Mawkasiang, reviewing rehabilitation facilities and vocational training initiatives. He highlighted the need for livelihood-oriented skill development to support sustainable rehabilitation and reintegration.
During his visit to Mawkasiang village, Kumar reviewed implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission, interacting with villagers on issues of maintenance and community ownership of drinking water infrastructure. Referring to the initiative under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he noted improvements in rural household access to safe drinking water.
An inspection of an old age home in Demthring followed, where he reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring dignity and welfare for senior citizens.
District Review Meeting
The day concluded with a District Review Meeting at the State Guest House in Shillong, where officials briefed the Minister on progress under major schemes including the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) and the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Kumar emphasised strengthening rural livelihoods under the Viksit Bharat Gram approach and called for value addition to products manufactured by Self-Help Groups to improve income generation and market access.
While acknowledging Meghalaya’s progress in reducing Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), he stressed the need for sustained efforts and improved fund utilisation to ensure timely execution of schemes.
The Minister also discussed connectivity challenges in remote areas and the need to accelerate rural road expansion under PMGSY and irrigation coverage under PMKSY to boost agricultural productivity.
On Implementation and Coordination
Responding to media queries, Kumar said Central schemes are designed for nationwide implementation in coordination with state governments. He added that issues such as Aadhaar linkage or administrative bottlenecks are addressed through coordinated mechanisms to ensure beneficiaries receive entitlements without disruption.
On substance abuse, he said tackling the drug menace requires collective efforts beyond government intervention, highlighting awareness campaigns conducted under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
Referring to coordination between the Union and the state government, Kumar said the “double-engine” model has helped accelerate development initiatives. He acknowledged the efforts of the Meghalaya government under Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, noting progress across several sectors.
The Minister’s visit underscores the Centre’s continued focus on monitoring implementation and improving delivery mechanisms in the Northeast region.
