Shillong, October 13: The Meghalaya Government is shaping an inclusive socio-economic model that integrates clothing, nutrition and neonatal care manuals for new mothers, marking a transformative shift in community-based welfare. The model, announced by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, underscores the State’s effort to link women’s empowerment with sustainable local enterprise, where self-help groups (SHGs) become both beneficiaries and contributors to social progress.
Celebrating the International Day of the Girl Child 2025 under the theme “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis” at Lariti Auditorium, Mawkasiang, the Social Welfare Department organised a vibrant state-level event that spotlighted the resilience, leadership, and achievements of girls from across Meghalaya. The programme was graced by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma as Chief Guest, Adviser to the Social Welfare Department Paul Lyngdoh as Guest of Honour, along with Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh, MLA, senior officials, partner organizations, school heads, and students from 50 institutions.
In his keynote address, the Chief Minister lauded the Department for its dedicated efforts and called teamwork the cornerstone of real progress. Leading a two-minute silence in memory of children lost in recent incidents, he reminded the gathering of the fragility of life and the collective duty of society to safeguard every child.
He emphasized that the celebration should be seen as a catalyst for long-term change in supporting the girl child, unveiling a slew of initiatives including reusable sanitary pad units funded through the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund and produced by local SHGs — promoting sustainability and women-led economic growth.
Announcing new initiatives under the Safe Motherhood Program, the Chief Minister said, “We have decided to give a small packet when the baby is born which includes clothes made by self-help groups, towels, soaps, medicinal and nutrient tablets and also a small guide that tells the mother what she should do, small manual will be there. We are trying to develop a socio economic model where we are trying to help our society and at the same time the help comes from our own self-help group.”
He also underlined the need for stronger measures on child safety, integrating technology, community engagement, and partnerships with NGOs and faith-based organizations. Touching on the fight against drug abuse, he stressed the expansion of detox and de-addiction facilities and heightened vigilance against trafficking networks.
Encouraging young girls to become changemakers, he said that independent thinking, confidence, and integrity in decisions shape the foundation of a resilient society. “Even small choices,” he reminded, “can have long-term consequences.”
During an engaging interaction, students raised issues ranging from improving school meal quality and introducing self-defence classes to promoting sports and creative pursuits. The Chief Minister addressed each concern, assuring sustained government support for holistic youth development.
Earlier, Commissioner and Secretary of the Social Welfare Department Pravin Bakshi opened the event by quoting Coco Chanel: “A girl should be two things — who and what she wants.” He emphasized the Government’s dedication to advancing girls’ education, health and rights through initiatives like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, which have reduced dropout rates and improved school retention. He also highlighted eco-friendly menstrual hygiene practices under the Zero Waste Mission and stressed the importance of digital safety and cyber awareness.
The event also celebrated young achievers excelling in academics, sports, entrepreneurship, social service, bravery, and leadership. Chief Minister Sangma and dignitaries felicitated them for their determination and achievements, applauding their role as changemakers within their communities.
Inspirational talks by Daphisha Kharbani, Founder of Majestic Dance Academy, and Paralympic athlete Anjelina Tynhlaiang infused the gathering with motivation, while a short film on menstrual hygiene and a presentation by Dr. N.E. Kharsahnoh on the health and well-being of girls provided vital awareness.
