By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 3: Various government officials, representatives from schools, civil society group representatives, and village representatives came together for the state-level Social Justice Assembly at KJP Assembly Conference Hall, Shillong, on Wednesday, to deliberate over the findings of the social audit of schemes implemented under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE).
It was organised by the office of the Meghalaya Society for Social Audit and Transparency (MSSAT), in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare.
The assembly is convened after district-level Social Justice Assemblies.
Notably, the State Social Justice Assembly reviews the action-taken reports, supported by evidence, and recommends corrective or suggestive actions to address any issues and guide future course correction.
The assembly was presided over by CD Lyngwa, Director of Social Welfare department, who extended a warm welcome to the participants and representatives. Mitali Chandra, Joint Secretary, Social Welfare department, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the importance of collective efforts in addressing social justice concerns and strengthening the implementation of welfare schemes across the state.
Director of MSSAT, J Pyngrope, highlighted and presented insights from the social audits conducted across targeted districts. The Social Justice Cell of MSSAT also presented a comprehensive report on the status and coverage of social audits in Meghalaya based on the targets set by MoSJE for social audits during 2024-25.
The social audit findings covered the social audits which have been conducted from December 7, 2024, to January 8, 2025, including schemes such as the Senior Citizens’ Homes under Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) in West Jaintia Hills, the Pre and Post-Matric Scholarship Schemes in West Garo Hills and West Jaintia Hills districts, and the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojna (PMAJAY) Adarsh Gram at Milanpur and Sobribari villages in West Garo Hills.
The Social Justice Assembly concluded with interactive discussions where stakeholders actively engaged in reviewing findings and deliberating on actionable solutions to enhance transparency, accountability, and the overall effectiveness of the schemes.