Meghalaya reviews social audit findings at State Level Assembly

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 8, 2024

The State-Level Social Justice Assembly, organized by the Meghalaya Society for Social Audit and Transparency (MSSAT) in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), was held on August 30 at the KJP Assembly Conference Hall in Shillong. The event brought together government officials, NGO representatives, and village leaders to discuss the findings from the social audits of various schemes under MoSJE.

The State-Level Assembly was organized after the conclusion of Social Justice Assemblies in the targeted districts. Its purpose is to review the coverage, issues, and actions taken in response to the findings from the social audits. The assembly aimed at assessing the extent of coverage, stakeholder response, support, and participation, while also analyzing the identified social audit points. Additionally, the assembly will review the action taken reports, supported by evidence, and recommend corrective or suggestive actions to address any issues and guide future course corrections.

The assembly was presided over by IW Ingty, IAS and Secretary of the Social Welfare Department, who extended a warm welcome to all attendees. CD Lyngwa, MCS, Director of the Social Welfare Department delivered the formal welcome address, setting the tone for a day of collaborative dialogue. In the opening remarks, the Secretary emphasized the importance of the Assembly in addressing Social Justice concerns and ensuring the success of ongoing programs in the state.

A key highlight of the assembly was the address by the Director of the Meghalaya Society for Social Audit and Transparency (MSSAT), who spoke about the social audits of various schemes and programs implemented by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE). The Social Justice Cell of MSSAT then presented a detailed report on the status and coverage of social audits in Meghalaya, based on the targets set by the MoSJE.

The assembly further reviewed the findings of social audits conducted between September 19 and October 6, 2023. The audits covered the Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCA) program run by the New Hope De-Addiction Centre under the KJPA, as well as the Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PM-AJAY) scheme implemented in Kalibari and Kalatek villages. These projects, facilitated by the Community and Rural Development (C&RD) Department, were carried out with the support of various stakeholders, including representatives from departments such as Social Welfare, Animal Husbandry, Public Works, Fishery, Food Civil Supplies, Public Health Engineering, Health, and Education.

An open discussion on the audit findings allowed stakeholders to share their inputs, and decisions were collectively made by the Social Welfare Department, other line departments, and NGOs receiving MoSJE grants-in-aid. The event concluded with closing remarks from the Joint Director of the Social Welfare Department and a vote of thanks by the Joint Director of MSSAT, wrapping up a productive session dedicated to advancing social justice in Meghalaya.