Shillong, Oct 29: The Meghalaya government continues to strengthen its social welfare and child protection framework with a series of interventions aimed at supporting vulnerable children, women and the elderly across the state, Director of Social Welfare CD Lyngwa said today.
The department operates multiple welfare schemes with a focus on rehabilitation, empowerment and care for those in need.
Speaking to reporters, Lyngwa said the department functions under five central ministries — Women and Child Development, Social Justice and Empowerment, Tribal Affairs, etc — and supporting 48 schools through central funding channeled via the department.
“We are taking care of the Integrated Child Protection Services, which include 12,300 anganwadi workers supported by both the central and state governments. Additionally, we have 1,093 personnel managing child care institutions across the districts,” Lyngwa said.
Lyngwa said the state has also taken measures to rehabilitate children in conflict with the law, including those involved in recent criminal incidents. “These children are under our observation homes, where we provide counseling and vocational training to help them reform,” she said, adding that around 300 such children are currently housed in various observation and safety homes across Meghalaya.
She revealed that the department plans to inaugurate a vocational centre for these children to be trained in skills like cane work, handicrafts and pickle-making, allowing them to earn and save through the sale of their creations. “Our goal is to help them diffuse their anger and guilt through creative engagement,” Lyngwa added.
Under the Mission Vatsalya initiative, the state currently operates 33 government-run and 22 non-government child care institutions housing around 1,400 children in need of care and protection. The Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, chaired by Agatha K Sangma, also works closely with the department to ensure the wellbeing of these children.
On the care for orphaned and abandoned children, Lyngwa said that the state’s cultural values play an important role. “In our tribal communities, clans often resist giving up orphans for adoption, so the government steps in to take care of them through our institutions,” she noted.
Apart from child protection, the Social Welfare Department also oversees Shakti Sadan and Shakti Nivas, which shelter around 75 mentally challenged women, many from outside Meghalaya. “We have young staff who cook, clothe and feed them,” Lyngwa explained.
To promote education among adolescent girls, the department, under the Mission Shakti and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao schemes, is also tackling issues like teenage pregnancy and school dropouts caused by menstrual challenges. Through an MoU with Subham Foundation, about 1,500 self-help group members are producing organic sanitary pads distributed to schools and colleges.
Lyngwa said the state is also working to expand anganwadi coverage in 1,700 uncovered villages, which will generate employment for more than 15,000 workers across levels.
Citizens in need of assistance can reach out to the department’s 24×7 helplines — 181 for women and 1098 for children.
