Shillong, March 2: Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar continued his official visit to Meghalaya on Monday with a series of field inspections and a comprehensive District Review Meeting in East Khasi Hills district.
The Minister began his day at Government Girls’ Higher Secondary School (PM Shri School), Police Bazar, Shillong, where he interacted with students and faculty and reviewed facilities developed under the PM Shri initiative. He encouraged students to pursue academic excellence along with skill development and appreciated teachers for promoting holistic and inclusive education.
He later visited the Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC) at Mawpat and inspected outpatient services, maternal and child healthcare facilities, immunisation programmes, and diagnostic units. He stressed the need to strengthen preventive healthcare and ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
At the Anganwadi Centre in Mawdiangdiang, Dr. Kumar reviewed nutrition and early childhood care services and interacted with workers, children, and mothers. He underlined the importance of early childhood nutrition and community participation in improving child health indicators.
The Minister also visited the New Hope De-addiction-cum-Counselling Centre, where he reviewed rehabilitation facilities and appreciated vocational training programmes such as carpentry and skill-based activities aimed at sustainable rehabilitation and social reintegration.
At the Child Care Institutions and De-addiction Campus in Mawkasiang, he inspected residential and counselling facilities and commended the safe and nurturing environment provided to children.
During his visit to Mawkasiang village, Dr. Kumar reviewed the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission and interacted with villagers on maintenance and community ownership of drinking water infrastructure. He said the initiative, undertaken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has significantly improved access to safe drinking water in rural households. Villagers shared that the scheme has eased their daily lives, especially benefiting women and children.
In the afternoon, he visited the Old Age Home at Demthring, where he interacted with elderly residents and staff. He appreciated the well-maintained facilities and reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensuring dignity and welfare for senior citizens.
The day concluded with a District Review Meeting at the State Guest House, Shillong, where the Minister reviewed the progress of various Centrally Sponsored Schemes, including Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana and Jal Jeevan Mission.
Dr. Kumar emphasised strengthening rural livelihoods under the Viksit Bharat Gram approach and promoting value addition to Self-Help Group (SHG) products to enhance income and market linkages. While acknowledging the State’s progress in reducing Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), he stressed the need for sustained efforts and improved fund utilisation for timely implementation of schemes.
Highlighting challenges posed by difficult terrain and connectivity in Meghalaya, he underscored the importance of strengthening rural road networks under PMGSY and enhancing irrigation coverage to boost agricultural productivity. He also called for coordinated efforts to address issues faced by persons with disabilities through community-level engagement and inter-departmental coordination.
Responding to media queries, Dr. Kumar clarified that Government of India schemes are implemented across all States in coordination with State Governments. He said any temporary challenges, including Aadhaar-related issues, are resolved through coordinated efforts to ensure beneficiaries receive benefits without disparity.
On substance abuse, the Minister said the issue requires collective efforts from social, religious, and community organisations alongside the government. He highlighted the progress of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan in generating nationwide awareness.
The Minister’s visit is part of the Centre’s outreach to Northeastern states, where Union Ministers periodically review centrally sponsored schemes on the ground.
Highlighting Centre-State coordination, Dr. Kumar said the “double-engine government” model is accelerating development initiatives in Meghalaya. He also acknowledged the efforts of the State government under Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, noting commendable progress in several sectors.
