Shillong, July 24: Additional Chief Secretary Dr Sampath Kumar on Thursday said Meghalaya is treating the care economy as a long-term investment that will drive inclusive growth, with early childhood development placed at the centre of the state’s social welfare strategy.
Addressing a workshop on “Creating a Well-Functioning Care Economy”, Dr Kumar outlined the government’s vision of a life-cycle approach to care — from early childhood to old age.
Kumar said the state’s development planning is shaped by the distinct needs of citizens at every stage of life. Pointing to demographic data, Dr. Kumar noted that nearly 25 percent of Meghalaya’s population is in the Early Childhood Development age group of 0–8 years.
“This makes investment in young children one of the government’s highest priorities,” he said.
The ACS stressed that the care economy must be viewed beyond job creation for caregivers.
“It is also an investment that generates long-term economic returns,” he said.
Citing the impact of the first five years, he said nearly 90 percent of brain development happens before a child turns five.
Proper nutrition, early stimulation and quality care during this period, he added, improve cognitive development, educational outcomes and future productivity, all of which contribute to stronger economic growth.
Dr Kumar also underlined the role of parents, particularly fathers.
“Fathers have a vital role to play in early childhood development. I encourage them to spend more quality time with their children, especially during these early years,” he said.
Highlighting Meghalaya’s initiatives, he said the state is among the few in the country running a comprehensive ECD pilot programme, which has drawn interest from other states. The programme has already shown results, with more families enrolling children in Anganwadi Centres and visible improvements in early engagement and learning, he said.
“Strengthening the care economy will not only improve child welfare but also contribute to inclusive economic growth and long-term social development in Meghalaya,” Dr Kumar said.
The workshop brought together government officials, academicians, students and other stakeholders to discuss building robust care systems.
The event was organised by the Directorate of Social Welfare in collaboration with the Department of Sociology, Shillong College. Among those present were Commissioner and Secretary Pravin Bakshi, Director of Social Welfare Saloni Verma, Dr. C. Joshua Thomas; faculty members of Shillong College; and other guests.
