Shillong, October 17 : The revamped Chief Minister’s Youth Engagement Programme (CM-YEP) 2025 has set the stage for a statewide celebration of young talent and creativity in 56 blocks and 1 Administrative Headquarter. Under the theme “Empower Youth – Empower Meghalaya,”the initiative has already been launched in two blocks and will soon reach all 56 blocks across the state, drawing enthusiastic participation from youths eager to celebrate innovation, culture, and community spirit.
The CM-YEP is a flagship programme of the Government of Meghalaya designed to nurture innovation in science and technology, creativity in arts and crafts, and pride in the state’s folk traditions. With a focus on holistic youth development, the programme aims to channel youthful energy towards constructive and creative pursuits. The programme provides young people with an exciting platform to express themselves across a wide range of solo and group competitions including poetry writing, story writing, painting, declamation, guitar, folk songs, folk dance, innovation in science and technology, and quiz contests.
Sharing his thoughts on the CM-YEP, D.D. Shira, Director Sports and Youth Affairs said, “This is a great platform for the youth which will allow them an opportunity to showcase their talents. This is also to enable them to channel their energy in the right direction. It will give the youth the much-needed exposure, giving them an enriching experience, and a memorable one too. I urge students to participate in these activities, along with working hard on their studies.”
The District Sports Offices, in collaboration with the Offices of the Block Development Officers, are jointly coordinating the events to bring this vibrant platform to life.
Under the Chief Minister’s Youth Engagement Programme, Youth Fests are being organised in all 56 blocks throughout October. Selected participants from the block level will move on to the district-level rounds in November, followed by the State-Level Youth Fest scheduled for the first week of December 2025.
The first Block-Level Youth Fests were organised at Jirang Block in Ri-Bhoi District and Zikzak Block in South West Garo Hills, Ampati. Participants took part in a range of activities including songs, dances, poetry writing, and tug-of-war competitions. The participants also showcased their scientific innovations, giving officials an insight into their creative and analytical potential.
Prizes were distributed for various competitions conducted during the two-day Block-Level CM-YEP 2025 and the tug-of-war event among youths from Zikzak Block under South West Garo Hills, Ampati. Winners from each block will advance to represent their respective blocks at the district-level CM-YEP
The Department of Sports & Youth Affairs has urged youngsters across the state to actively participate in the CM-YEP. Entry forms are available at the Offices of the Block Development Officers and District Sports Officers.
