At a one-day transformation workshop, some 200 Gram Sevaks and Sevikas from the Garo Hills region came together and vowed to revolutionise rural development in Meghalaya.

The State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD), the Meghalaya State Capability Enhancement Project, and the Community and Rural Development Department of the Government of Meghalaya collaborated to organise the workshop at the request of the All Garo Hills Gram Sevak and Sevika’s Association (AGHGSA) (SCEP).

This workshop is the first of its type, and it was held in Asananggre in the West Garo Hills district’s Rongram Community and Rural Development Block. Afterwards, similar workshops are being planned for the Khasi and Jaintia Hills areas.

The Gram Sevaks and Sevikas confirmed their involvement in rural development during the session by signing an agreement. Group conversations helped them better understand their problems and long-term goals.

In order to create a plan for strengthening their institution, a poll of Gram Sevaks and Sevikas’ existing tasks was also done online.

Sampath Kumar, IAS, the Principal Secretary of the C&RD Department, spoke to the crowd and thanked the AGHGSA for starting the capacity-building session. He emphasised the important role that the Gram Sevaks and Sevikas play as respected institutions at the local level that represent the State’s aspirations in the villages. Conrad K. Sangma, the chief minister of Meghalaya, has stated repeatedly his desire to strengthen the Gram Sevak and Sevika institutions in order to implement a bottom-up development strategy. Kumar emphasised the importance of these institutions in fostering trust between the public and the government.

In order to create cutting-edge grassroots organisations like the Village Employment Councils (VECs), Village Organizations (VOs), and Village Health Councils, Meghalaya’s developmental process is adopting a comprehensive strategy that includes reconciliation, community engagement, and participation of traditional leaders (VHCs). These organisations are successfully tackling local concerns via leadership, creativity, and special interventions.

The administrative system is strengthened by initiatives like the creation of Junior Rural Development Officers (JRDOs), which ensures improved service delivery to the last-mile populace.
The session emphasised the crucial part played by Gram Sevaks and Sevikas in Meghalaya’s fight against multifaceted poverty. They can recognise and address the underlying causes of poverty, such as restricted access to healthcare, education, and employment prospects, thanks to their intimate links to local communities. In order to really affect the battle against poverty, the Principal Secretary emphasised the value of partnership between Gram Sevaks, Sevikas, and communities.

The Director of SIRD, Shillong, Sanme R. Marak, acknowledged in her opening remarks the crucial function of Gram Sevaks and Sevikas as the foundation of community welfare and development at the village level. She expressed confidence in their ability to improve economic conditions and, in some cases, eradicate poverty.
The session was attended by a number of representatives from AGHGSA, SIRD, SCEP, and other governmental organisations, including Banshanlang Lyngdoh, president of All Meghalaya Gram Sevaks-Sevikas Association (AMGSA).