Shillong, March 9: Governor CH Vijayashankar has raised concern over low representation of women in Meghalaya Legislative Assembly while expressing the hope that the proposed 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures would significantly increase their participation in the future.
Addressing a programme to celebrate International Women’s Day and 11 years of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative at Lok Bhavan, he also pointed out that there are only three women among the 60 members in the state assembly.
Meanwhile, the governor urged various government agencies, communities and civil society groups to focus more on women-specific initiatives while noting that empowering women and ensuring equal opportunities are crucial for building a stronger and more inclusive society.
The Day under the theme “Give to Gain”, was organised by the State Sankalp Hub for Empowerment of Women in collaboration with the Health and Family Welfare Department, Public Health Engineering Department and the Meghalaya State Rural Livelihood Society.
Vijayashankar noted that the programme also marked 11 years of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative, launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aimed at promoting the protection, education and welfare of the girl child.
The Governor said the occasion provided an opportunity to review the progress achieved so far and reaffirm commitments toward women’s empowerment and well-being.
Referring to constitutional provisions, he stressed that equality is guaranteed under Article 15 of the Constitution of India, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of caste, colour, creed or sex.
He further raised concern over teenage pregnancy, describing it as a serious issue affecting the health, education and future prospects of young girls in Meghalaya and across the country.
He emphasised the need for greater awareness, improved access to education and stronger community support to address the challenge.
The Governor also read out a message on the launch of Jal Mahotsav.
Speaking on the occasion, Sutnga-Saipung legislator Santa Mary Shylla said women in Meghalaya are receiving increasing support in areas such as education, sports and other sectors.
She credited the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad Sangma for strengthening women’s empowerment, particularly through Self Help Groups (SHGs), which she said have created opportunities and enhanced the role of women in society.
Adviser to the Social Welfare Department Paul Lyngdoh extended greetings to women and highlighted Meghalaya’s unique matrilineal system, noting that the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo communities accord a significant place to women in society.
During the programme, medical kits were distributed to Urban ICDS Projects. Awards were also presented under the Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan (SNSPA) campaign by the Health Department, for selfless contributions towards women empowerment by the Meghalaya State Rural Livelihood Society, and for excellence in community-led FTK-based water quality monitoring under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
The programme concluded with the felicitation of women achievers from fields such as sports, entrepreneurship, agriculture and community service in recognition of their outstanding contributions.
