Civil societies urged to join hands for steps against teenage pregnancy
Shillong, April 10: The Assembly Estimates Committee (AEC) has expressed concern over 1600 villages in the state not having any Anganwadi Centre and asked the Social Welfare department to find ways and means to set up the facility.
“There are more than 1600 villages which do not have Anganwadi Centres. We have taken note of this and advised the Social Welfare department to find ways and means to get funds from the central and state governments,” AEC chairman Mayralborn Syiem told reporters after chairing a review meeting on Friday.
Meanwhile, the committee called for more awareness on issues of early marriage and teenage pregnancy.
“We need to sensitise our young boys and girls to get rid of various issues, especially teenage pregnancy,” Syiem said.
He urged religious heads, traditional heads, women organisations, NGOs, and civil society to work with Social Welfare department in dealing with such issues.
Calling for collective efforts to tackle social issues, he said, “…we have to say no to drugs, early marriage, teenage pregnancy, tobacco…. We have to collectively work together…”
During its review of functioning of the Home (Police) department, the AEC asked various agencies under the department to expedite construction of infrastructure projects in the state.
The committee has asked the Engineering wing of the Police headquarters and Meghalaya Government Construction Corporation (MGCC) to prioritise the projects, ensuring timely completion.
Syiem emphasized the need for swift action to utilise the allocated budget effectively.
