The Government of Meghalaya, in collaboration with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), successfully concluded the two-day District Nutrition Leadership Workshop in Courtyard by Marriott, Shillong on June 12–13, 2025. The workshop convened Ministers, senior officials, Deputy Commissioners, Block Development Officers, District Officials representing Health, Social Welfare, C&RD (MSRLS) Education and allied Departments under the Human Development Council (HDC) from across all 12 districts to strengthen leadership, data-based planning, and decentralised actions to tackle malnutrition in Meghalaya. In his keynote address, Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma emphasized the importance of having a shared purpose and collective vision across departments when addressing human development challenges in Meghalaya.
The Chief Minister outlined three critical areas of action moving forward. First, he stressed the need to increase state-side budgetary allocations to improve both the quantity and taste of existing nutrition supplements. Second, he proposed a parallel implementation model. Without disrupting the current systems, the state could pilot nutrition interventions in two or three blocks by incorporating local foods and involving Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and VHCs in preparation and distribution. Third, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to infrastructure development through convergence.
He announced financial clearance for an estimated ₹9–10 crore annual requirement to start Mini Anganwadi Centres for providing nutritional and ECD services in a total of 1,400 uncovered villages under ICDS through state funding. “We will work with the Social Welfare Department to ensure these centres are completed by combining MGNREGS, state funds, and externally aided projects,” he said. He also shared that the state will soon launch a focused nutrition and millets mission under the leadership of the Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, who has been closely working on addressing regional nutrition challenges. “This mission will align perfectly with the goals of the Human Development Council,” the Chief Minister concluded.