Shillong, June 3 : Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today underscored the transformative power of technology and the state’s unwavering commitment to social welfare at a multifaceted program held at the NEHU Convention Hall in Shillong. The event saw the launch of several key interventions designed to uplift vulnerable sections of society across Meghalaya.
The Chief Minister presided over a series of impactful initiatives, including the distribution of mobile phones to Anganwadi Workers, certificates to women from Shillong and Jowai trained for self-employment under care and protection programs, and the provision of IIT Innovative EcoH2O Filters to Anganwadi Centres to ensure safe drinking water for children. Additionally, cheques were disbursed to new CM Care beneficiaries, and achievers from Children’s Homes were felicitated. The program also included the unveiling of foundation stones for the construction of a Children’s Home (Boys) in Nongstoin and a One Stop Centre for abused and battered women at the Ganesh Das Hospital premises in Shillong, alongside the handover of a cheque for the latter.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sangma passionately articulated how technology is revolutionizing flagship state programs. He cited the remarkable success of the MOTHER App in significantly reducing Meghalaya’s Maternal Mortality Rate. “Using this technology and through the other programs of the state government for safe motherhood, we have been able to reduce the maternal mortality rate by 45%,” the Chief Minister stated. He emphasized the profound impact of the mobile devices being distributed, adding, “the mobile device that are being given to you today can save and change hundreds of lives.”
Chief Minister Sangma urged the Anganwadi workers to maximize the use of their new mobile devices for accurate data uploading, which is crucial for the effective implementation, planning, and execution of policies and programs. “The information that you will send to us will help us to intervene, make decisions, and take actions that will save and change a children’s lives,” he stressed, highlighting the direct link between data and tangible impact.
He further elaborated on how technology is not only changing governance but is creating a more impactful form of governance, enabling the state to achieve its goals and targets with greater efficiency. The Chief Minister also announced an upcoming program, “CM Care +,” designed to assist economically weak families in meeting the critical treatment needs for severe illnesses.
The program was also attended by Minister for Social Welfare, Paul Lyngdoh, and Commissioner & Secretary, Social Welfare, Pravin Bakshi, among other dignitaries. The event served as a testament to Meghalaya’s holistic approach to social development, leveraging technology and compassion to foster a healthier, more inclusive society.
