Shillong, Sep 23: The two-day Block Level Chief Minister’s Youth Engagement Programme (CM-YEP) 2026 for Saipung Block concluded on Wednesday at Latyrke Community Hall.
Organised by the District Sports Officer, East Jaintia Hills in collaboration with BDO Saipung under the theme “Young Meghalaya, Shaping Tomorrow”, the programme saw competitions in folk song, folk dance, tug-of-war, talent show, quiz, poetry, story writing, declamation, painting, guitar and one-act play.
BDO Saipung Dr R Pyrtuh said CM-YEP is aimed at identifying and nurturing grassroots talent and goes beyond competition to focus on overall growth of youth. He urged youth to uphold discipline and positive values.
DSO S M Rapsang, Cluster Program Manager (DISHA) Sandy Tariang, teachers and students were present.
An awareness session on HIV/AIDS was also held. Tariang said over 2,500 people in East Jaintia Hills are living with HIV and stressed safe practices, regular testing and adherence to ART. He said free testing and treatment is available at Civil Hospital, Jowai.
Winners were given cash prizes — Rs 3,000, Rs 2,000 and Rs 1,000 in solo categories and Rs 5,000, Rs 3,000 and Rs 2,000 in group categories.
