Technology is transforming governance & helping govt realise goals, says Conrad

SHILLONG, June 3: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday said that technology is not only transforming governance but also making it more impactful by enabling the achievement of goals and targets more efficiently.
Speaking at a programme held at the NEHU Convocation Hall to highlight various interventions of the Social Welfare department, Sangma said the department is striving to touch different lives across society. He also announced a new initiative in the pipeline, CM Care+, aimed at assisting economically weaker patients in meeting treatment expenses for critical illnesses.
Explaining the role of technology in the state’s flagship programmes, the chief minister highlighted the use of the MOTHER App, which he said has significantly contributed to reducing the maternal mortality rate in Meghalaya.
Sangma revealed that through the use of this technology and other programmes for safe motherhood, the government has been able to reduce the maternal mortality rate by 45%. “The mobile devices being given to you today can save and change hundreds of lives,” he said.
He then urged anganwadi workers to make the best use of the mobile devices for uploading data, which is essential for effective implementation, planning, and execution of policies and programmes.
“The information that you will send to us will help us to intervene, make decisions, and take actions that will save and change a child’s life,” he added.
During the programme, mobile phones were distributed to anganwadi workers, and certificates were awarded to women in need of care and protection who were trained in trades for self-employment in Shillong and Jowai. Further, IIT Innovative EcoH2O filters were handed over to anganwadi centres to provide safe drinking water for children.
Cheques were also distributed to new CM Care beneficiaries, achievers from children’s homes were felicitated, and foundation stones were unveiled for the construction of a Children’s Home (Boys) in Nongstoin and for the One Stop Centre at Ganesh Das Hospital premises in Shillong, dedicated to supporting abused and battered women.
Others who were part of the event include Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh, Commissioner & Secretary of Social Welfare Pravin Bakshi, among others.