Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 328/22

CM INAUGURATES TRANSIT HOME AT ASANANGGRE

Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, accompanied by the Chief Adviser, Thomas A Sangma, Asananggre MDC, Anseng A Sangma, NHM Mission Director, Ram Kumar S and West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Swapnil Tembe and TMB Chairman, JD Sangma, inaugurated the transit home under the Chief Minister s Safe Motherhood Scheme at Assanggre under Rongram C and RD Block on 12 August.

Addressing the gathering, the chief minister informed that the maternal and infant mortality rate in the state is higher than the national average in 2018. However, with the implementation of the CMSMS, different facilities can now be pushed through the functioning of transit homes and the overall health of the mothers will be improved by reducing the maternal and infant mortality rates, he said. Stating that the Covid 19 pandemic has brought out the need for upgradation and upscaling of health infrastructures in the state, the chief minister informed that the Govt. has earmarked Rs. 350 crores for upscaling of health services in the state. In the operation of transit homes in the state, communities and the Self Help Groups will be involved to increase institutional deliveries, he added.

The Chief Adviser to the chief minister, Thomas A Sangma, said that so far there are 80 transit homes in the state under the CMSMS and expressed his gratitude to the chief minister for implementing the scheme in his constituency. He also said that with the inauguration of transit home at Asananggre under Asananggre PHC, many mothers in the region will be immensely benefited and urged the parents to come forward and support the implementing department for the successful implementation of the CMSMS in the region.

Press Release No. 329/22

MEGHALAYA CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY 2022

Chief Minister of Meghalaya Shri. Conrad K. Sangma today distributed financial assistance to eligible youth groups under the Youth Engagement through Empowered Youth Organisations or YESS initiative, on theInternational Youth Day. An amount of nearly INR 30 lakhs was distributed among 61 groups which qualified under the initiative and are committed towards youth development and empowerment. Another INR 3 lakhs cash reward was extended to 61 medalists in various sports events held in the State. A total of 2,000 youth from across different districts of Garo Hills gathered at Tura, Government College Ground to celebrate the occasion

With an average age of 29, India has the advantage of having one of the youngest populations in the world. Meghalaya population ratio of 74 percent people under the age of 35 is greater than the national average, and this distinct demographic lead offers a wide range of prospects to the State. There are over 3000 registered youth clubs and organisations across the State working for the development, engagement, and rejuvenation of the youth. To enable such organizations to take concrete action that would have a larger impact on youth development, the Government of Meghalaya launched this pioneering initiative in the State. Through this initiative, registered entities focusing on youth development and empowerment could apply for financial assistance up to INR 1 lakh if the group matches the criteria and is deemed fit by the constituted proposal evaluation committee.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad Sangma, said, I strongly believe that it the youth which will lead Meghalaya and India towards progress and prosperity. YESS is an effort to empower the youth organisations, clubs and associations across Meghalaya. The key objective of this Government is to provide opportunities to the youth with potential in abundance. We strongly believe that YESS initiative will give freedom to excel without any financial or societal constraints.

The program has been formulated in pursuance to the State Youth Policy notified in 2021 which outlines the commitment of the Government of Meghalaya for youth engagement, empowerment, and rejuvenation. The broad objectives of this program include Empowerment of youth clubs and organisations for planning and implementation of grassroot level programs and activities pertaining to key themes affecting the Youth, Positively channelizing energies of the youth through empowered youth organisations, Enhancement of the youth development ecosystem by the promotion of effective collaboration with key stakeholders in the State working towards youth empowerment and development and Creation of an annual corpus fund for extension of financial support to registered not for profit youth clubs, organisations, and associations.

It is anticipated that the youth organizations taking part in this initiative will participate in activities like environmental protection and conservation programs and workshops, financial literacy workshops and campaigns, awareness dissemination workshops and seminars, career counselling and guidance workshops and clinics, mental wellbeing seminars and campaigns and more. The State Government commitment to youth involvement, empowerment, and rejuvenation is a testament towards their commitment of making Meghalaya one of the top 10 states of the country.

Press Release No. 330/22

TUDU CHAIRS REVIEW MEETING ON IMPLEMENTATION OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT SCHEMES IN MEGHALAYA

Union Minister of State for the Ministries of Jal Shakti and Tribal Affairs Shri Bishweswar Tudu today chaired a review meeting of the implementation status of various developmental works, schemes and programs at the State Convention Centre in Shillong, Meghalaya. The MoS also chaired the departmental review of the Jal Jeevan Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana schemes and other flagship programs under the two departments.

While briefing the Press after reviewing in details the ongoing programmes under his Ministry, the Minister said that the department officials have shown in details the implementation and achievements under various schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana . He added that to get an idea of the actual implementation on the ground level he will undertake visits to different sites of programme implementation tomorrow morning.

While speaking on the lines of JJM, Shri Tudu said that the target is to achieve 100 per cent implementation by March, 2024. The national average is around 50 per cent but the aim is to achieve 100 per cent by March, 2024, he said, adding that steps are being taken in order to accomplish the goal. The Minister urged the State governments to work in coordination with the Centre to achieve the target. The Minister also acknowledged that the Meghalaya being a hilly state, the inherent challenges of communication and transportation are always associated with it. The Minister said that there have been some delays in the implementation of few projects because of these inherent challenges. He said that the Central government is very empathetic to the concerns of the states and that it is always welcoming measures so that the inherent challenges of the states can be dealt with. He said, I have suggested them to follow the procedures and if possible we will relax some of the guidelines so that the work could be done on time.

Replying to a query about allocation of additional funds to the state, the Minister said that, the DoNER Ministry is giving lot of importance to the Northeastern states, so, according to progress and practical works, again the DoNER will give the additional funds. This is the first official visit of the Central Minister to Meghalaya for reviewing ongoing projects in the State. Senior officials of the state government were present during the review meeting.