Shillong: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma inaugurated a three-day Early Childhood Development Implementation Science Workshop at Vivanta Meghalaya in Shillong this week. The event gathers experts and policymakers to focus on converting scientific evidence into effective state action for families and children.
During his address, Sangma argued that meaningful progress relies on improving the execution of existing schemes rather than launching new ones. He noted that his administration has focused on doing things differently since 2018. By refining the delivery of government programs, the state has seen significant gains in efficiency.
Sangma highlighted the success of the MGNREGA program, where better management led to a threefold increase in utilization capacity. He reported similar improvements across other departments, noting that Meghalaya now manages nearly 12,000 crore rupees in externally aided projects. This figure surpasses the portfolios held by many other small states.
The Chief Minister also shared lessons from the state efforts to reduce maternal mortality. Initially, officials mistakenly focused solely on institutional deliveries. After analyzing the situation, they discovered that logistical and economic barriers prevented women from accessing care. The government responded by compensating local vehicle owners to transport expectant mothers and creating Safe Motherhood Homes to provide food and shelter for women from remote regions.
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