Shillong, June 23: Meghalaya’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) Mission has been conferred the Gold SKOCH Award in the Early Childhood Development category at the 108th SKOCH Summit Public Policy Forum in New Delhi, earning national recognition for its integrated approach to improving child development outcomes.
The honour came after a comprehensive multi-stage evaluation process that began in March 2026, during which the Meghalaya ECD Mission competed with initiatives from across the country. The assessment involved project presentations, public voting, independent expert reviews, documentation analysis, impact evaluations and scrutiny of programme results.
The Mission received recognition for creating a collaborative framework that brings together various departments and stakeholders to enhance the well-being of young children. Spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare, the initiative functions in coordination with the Health Department, Community and Rural Development Department, Education Department, development partners, faith-based organisations, community institutions and frontline workers.
The evaluation highlighted the Mission’s emphasis on responsive caregiving, nutrition, early learning, behavioural change and community engagement. It also acknowledged efforts to integrate early childhood development initiatives with self-help groups, strengthen participation through faith-based organisations, encourage early stimulation practices and promote gender equality and social inclusion.
The award places Meghalaya among the states recognised nationally for adopting innovative governance models and implementing social development initiatives aimed at improving the lives of children during their formative years.
A delegation representing the Meghalaya ECD Mission participated in the final assessment and award ceremony in New Delhi. The team comprised Chief Operating Officer Ronald Kynta, Programme Manager Nayna Warjri and Civil Engineer Meaibor Hiam Roy M. Pdah.
