Panel: 1.6k villages in Meghalaya have no anganwadi centre

Shillong: The Estimates Committee of the Meghalaya assembly on Friday concluded a two-day review meeting with six departments — education, public works (PWD), public health engineering (PHE), social welfare, home (police), and information technology & communication.Mayralborn Syiem, MLA and chairman of the committee, said a detailed report and recommendations, as mandated by the assembly, would be tabled in the House during the next session.“The committee expressed concern over approximately 1,600 villages lacking anganwadi centres. The PWD dept was instructed to explore avenues for establishing these centres, including seeking support from the central govt, despite challenges related to existing population and household guidelines,” he said.The committee reviewed implementation and progress of infrastructure projects, including construction works at model degree colleges in Rongjeng and Patharkhmah, Kiang Nongbah College, and polytechnics across the state.Ongoing and planned projects under PWD (buildings), including renovation of Meghalaya House and other infrastructure initiatives within and outside the state, were also taken up.The committee reviewed progress of the Greater Ampati Water Supply Scheme and directed the PHE department to expedite completion.On the home (police) department, the committee discussed infrastructure development and stressed timely completion of projects in line with budgetary provisions of the previous financial year.“The committee appreciated the completion of the IT Park at Umsawli and expressed optimism that it will contribute to addressing unemployment. The status of last-mile connectivity for high-speed internet was also reviewed, with the initiative reported to be in its final stages. Certain areas are expected to be operational soon,” a statement said.