Shillong, Aug 22: Meghalaya Governor CH Vijayashankar said that the union government is particular about the overall prosperity of the northeast region in general and Meghalaya in particular.
Vijayashankar was speaking as the chief guest at a media workshop on centrally sponsored schemes in Meghalaya, media laws and ethics and artificial intelligence organised by the Press Information Bureau at the Raj Bhavan on Friday.
He emphasised the importance of effective utilisation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes. “Schemes are designed to benefit people, but their success depends on how well they are implemented and how effectively citizens are informed,” he said.
With the Centre giving due attention in agriculture, horticulture, and infrastructure, the Governor said, the media has a vital role in ensuring that information about benefits reaches the people.
Information and Public Relations Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh stressed on correct information. She pointed out that due to misrepresentation of facts confusion arises.
The Minister also said that the state government through various line departments is working to make Meghalaya the most developed state by 2032.
She said the PM-ABHIM, or the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission, is bringing sea changes to healthcare in the state.
In the agriculture sector the Minister pointed out that there are 2.5 lakh beneficiaries of PM Kisan Samman Nidh in the state.
Lyngdoh also said that artificial intelligence can be a dangerous weapon. “AI is a powerful tool, but if misused, it can be dangerous. It must be handled responsibly,” she said.
Speaking on Centrally Sponsored Schemes in Meghalaya, Vijay Kumar Mantri, Commissioner and Secretary, Department of Information and Public Relations, gave a presentation on the progress achieved in key sectors with centrally sponsored schemes.
“Schemes have been redesigned, new schemes introduced, and it is important for the media to know about these changes. In Meghalaya, synergy between the state government and the Government of India is vital for success. We have set 2032 as the next milestone year when Meghalaya completes 60 years of statehood, identifying ten opportunities to strengthen connectivity, water, power, internet, housing, health, nutrition, and education,” Mantri said.
He elaborated on the achievements under schemes such as PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi with 74 per cent coverage in the state, Ayushman Bharat, PMAY, Jal Jeevan Mission which has achieved remarkable progress from zero coverage seven years ago, and PM Poshan that now covers over 7,700 schools.
“From agriculture to infrastructure, education to health, Meghalaya has moved from an ‘aspirer state’ to a ‘fast mover state’,” he said.
