CIPS 1st Awards: Meghalaya excels in Health Innovation

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 22, 2024

With the aim of encouraging innovators from small states and promoting inclusive innovations in public systems across the Northeastern Indian States, Union Territories and Hill States in the fields of Education, Health, Information Technology and Rural Development, an award ceremony and panel discussion were held on January 19 at Taj Vivanta, Shillong.

The ceremony recognized and awarded states that stood out for their innovative practices in the mentioned sectors. Organized for the first time by the Centre for Innovations in Public Systems (CIPS) in collaboration with the Government Innovation Lab (GIL), Government of Meghalaya, the event was also supported by the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) as knowledge partners.

During the ceremony, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, the Chief Guest, congratulated CIPS and ASCI for organizing the innovation awards ceremony in the state. He emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts and acknowledged the role of administrative staff and functionaries in implementing innovative practices across various sectors. Sangma highlighted the importance of understanding the actual problems for effective innovation, citing examples such as addressing maternal and infant mortality by economically engaging mothers through Self-Help Groups (SHGs). He also emphasized the need to simplify rules and processes.

The Guest of Honour, Dr. V.K Paul, Member, NITI Ayog, Government of India, focused on competitive federalism and applauded the state’s initiatives in promoting innovation in public systems. He highlighted the importance of prioritizing innovation in the education sector and building a strong human capital. Dr. Paul commended Meghalaya’s initiatives, including the Village Health Councils (VHCs) and the Meghalaya Early Childhood (ECD) Mission, and urged other states to learn from the Meghalaya Model.

Sampath Kumar, IAS, Development Commissioner & Principal Secretary Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya, outlined Meghalaya’s State Capability Enhancement Approach, emphasizing a homegrown approach to drive policy and innovation in solving complex development problems. He discussed the 5-pillar framework, collaborative efforts and the state’s achievements in reducing maternal deaths.

The award ceremony recognized innovators across various sectors and a book titled “Celebrating Inclusive Innovations” was released. Dr. Nirmalya Bagchi, Chairman, Steering Committee, CIPS & Director General (I/c), ASCI, Hyderabad give a welcome address and highlighted the importance of CIPS in promoting innovations. The Genesis of the CIPS Award Scheme was explained by Dr. Anjali Hazarika, Member, Advisory Council, CIPS, Hyderabad.

Panel sessions covering Health, Information Technology, Education, Environment and Rural Development sectors were held, with distinguished panelists discussing innovations and challenges. The ceremony concluded with a Khasi folk dance performance and a vote of thanks by Dr. Valli Manickam, Director CIPS & Dean of Research and Management Studies, ASCI, Hyderabad.

Here are the awardees and their respective innovations:

1. Sampath Kumar, IAS: Positive Public Health Management Meghalaya
2. Dr Phunchok Norboo, Mission Director, ABDM, Ladakh: Integration of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission with e-Hospital
3. Ram Kumar S, IAS:  Meghalaya Drone Delivery Network
4. Arun Prince Milton, Scientist, ICAR, Meghalaya: Rapid and cost-effective visual Diagnostic Kit for African Swine Fever Virus
5. Shantanu Gotmare, IAS: Kritagyata- Online Pension Sanction and Payment Tracking System 
6. Mukesh Repaswal, IAS, Information technology Director, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh: Mukhya Mantri Seva Sankalp 1100
7. Krishna Kumar, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Jiribam, Manipur: Manipur E-district Portal
8. Issac Zothanpuia, Project Manager, Mizoram State e-governance Society, Mizoram: RTI Online to promote accountability and for ease-of filling requests
9. Pallav Gopal Jha, IAS, Managing Director, GMDW&, Assam: Web-based water supply connections, Registration & Payment System
10. Shyambir, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal, J&K: MASHAAL-E-GAASH- A people-driven initiative to promote literacy
11. Dev Raj Dhiman, Principal, Himachal Pradesh: Inquiry Based learning for holistic development
12. Varnali Deka, IAS, DC, Nalbari, Assam: Poshan Club: Nurturing children for welfare schemes
13. Purva Garg, IAS, sECRETARY education, Samagra Shiksha: ECCE Early Childhood Care and Education as per new education policy 2020.
14. Varnali Deka, IAS, DC, Nalbari, Assam: Mushrooms as a tasty nutraceutical supplement
15. Shiv Kumar Upadhyaya & Deepak Shah: Village as Harbingers of change toward optimal utilization of resources
16. Prasada Rao Vaddarapu, IFS: Bamboo brooms with handles as alternatives to plastics
17. Ajit Kumar Ranjan, IAS, DC, Wokha Nagaland: Entrepreneurs Task Force, one stop model for rural entrepreneurs
18. Chete Lohe, CEO, Kiwi Production company, Phek, Nagaland: Promotion & Marketing of Organic Kiwi Fruit.