In a major achievement for regional governance and social welfare, the Meghalaya Early Childhood Development Mission has been awarded the prestigious Gold SKOCH Award. The accolade was presented in the Early Childhood Development category at the 108th SKOCH Summit Public Policy Forum held in New Delhi.
This high-profile recognition honors Meghalaya’s innovative, state-wide model aimed at maximizing the potential of young children. The success of the initiative relies heavily on a highly collaborative framework. Led by the Department of Social Welfare, the mission seamlessly integrates the efforts of the Health Department, the Education Department, and the Community and Rural Development Department, alongside various frontline workers and faith-based organizations.
The selection followed a rigorous, multi-staged national evaluation process that commenced in March 2026. The comprehensive assessment scrutinized project presentations, documentation, and field impact, while also factoring in public voting and expert reviews. By successfully combining community-led institutions with institutional backing, the Meghalaya ECD Mission has established a benchmark for holistic child development that other states can replicate. This award underscores the power of inter-departmental synergy in driving meaningful, long-term public policy outcomes.