States » EastPosted at: Oct 11 2026 7:28PM


Meghalaya CM presents Early Childhood Development model to PM Modi at Delhi Summit

Shillong, Oct 11 (UNI) Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma presented Meghalaya’s best practices under its Early Childhood Development (ECD) Mission to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Departmental Summit on Women and Child Development in New Delhi.
The 20-minute presentation was made on behalf of the states on "Reimagining Anganwadi Centres for Better Delivery of Nutrition and Early Education."
The presentation was made on Friday in the presence of a select group of 30 people, including Chief Ministers, union Ministers and senior officials from the central government.
The Meghalaya model was presented for it to be replicated in other States of the country.
Highlighting the importance of early childhood, the Chief Minister said: "As a father, I have seen how much my son responds to every moment of time and attention I give him, and how holistically he is growing because of it. Science tells us why: 80 per cent of a child's brain develops in the first 1,000 days, from conception to the second birthday."
Speaking of the long-term stakes, he said: "The children born today will be the adults of Viksit Bharat in 2047. What we do in these first 1,000 days will shape who they become."
Sangma said that Meghalaya has launched an integrated Early Childhood Development Mission, bringing all human development departments and community institutions together to help every child reach their full potential.
He said that the life cycle approach, “Mission 1000 Days, works to end stunting with support at every stage of early life”.
Informing the Prime Minister about the components of Mission 1000 Days, the Chief Minister said that during pregnancy, the Departments of Health, Women and Child Development and NRLM jointly run mother skill workshops in partnership with IIT Bombay, where mothers learn 45 breastfeeding techniques for healthy weight gain.
Sangma informed that pregnant and nursing mothers and children up to two years, extending to three years, receive hot cooked meals with eggs at the Anganwadi Centre twice a week, with Self-Help Groups helping address growth faltering. This is coupled with monthly fathers' counselling.
The Chief Minister further informed that Anganwadi Centres are being transformed into happiness centres, with an additional room for a creche to support mothers.
A year-long ECD fellowship has also been started for young graduates in the village, who serve as additional apprentices in the AWC and receive NCVET certification, opening pathways for them in the care economy sector.
The Chief Minister also acknowledged good practices elsewhere.
West Bengal serves hot cooked meals to 70 lakh children, pregnant women and nursing mothers. Gujarat uses a digital application and third-party verification to strengthen malnutrition data. Telangana tests every batch of Take Home Ration for quality.
Odisha is equipping Anganwadi Centres with toys and learning corners, so they become joyful places of play and learning, not only nutrition hubs.
With a shared national roadmap now in place, states will work together to give every child in India the best start in life. Investing in our youngest citizens is the surest investment in India's future", the Chief Minister added.
UNI RRK NST RSA
Tags: #Meghalaya CM presents Early Childhood Development model to PM Modi at Delhi Summit
More News

Bengal: Seven-Year-Old girl missing after Mahalaya clothing distribution event, rescued from Bowbazar

11 Oct 2026 | 10:09 PM

Kolkata, Oct 11 (UNI) A seven-year-old girl who went missing after attending a clothing distribution programme for the needy on Mahalaya was rescued by Kolkata Police from the Bowbazar police station area late on Friday night following an extensive search operation.

see more..

Odisha’s handlooms, handicrafts get fashion-driven market push

11 Oct 2026 | 10:04 PM

Bhubaneswar, Oct 11 (UNI) Odisha’s rural weavers and artisans are getting a wider market for their traditional products, with the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) showcasing indigenous handloom and handicrafts at Bhubaneswar Times Fashion Week 2026 to boost sales and strengthen rural livelihoods.

see more..

Six STF personnel injured in attack by smugglers in Araria

11 Oct 2026 | 9:24 PM

Araria, Oct 11 (UNI) Altogether six personnel of the Special Task Force (STF), Patna, were injured when a team that had gone to apprehend smack smugglers was allegedly attacked by smugglers and their supporters in Araria district this afternoon.

see more..

Bihar investment proposals discussed with Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary

11 Oct 2026 | 9:15 PM

Patna, Oct 11 (UNI) Bihar Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar on Sunday met Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and briefed him on investment proposals received from Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and people of Bihari origin interested in investing in the state during his overseas visits.

see more..

Prohibitory order clamped in Pungro sub-division of Kiphire

11 Oct 2026 | 8:49 PM

Dimapur, Oct 11 (UNI) The Kiphire district magistrate has imposed prohibitory orders in Pungro sub-division, excluding Khongsa block but including Kiusam circle, amid simmering tensions between the Yimkhiung and Tikhir communities with immediate effect.

see more..