About 200 Gram Sevaks and Sevikas from the Garo Hills region united in a one-day transformation workshop when they pledged to revolutionise Meghalaya’s rural development.

The workshop was organised at the request of the All Garo Hills Gram Sevak and Sevika’s Association (AGHGSA) and conducted by the Community and Rural Development Department, Government of Meghalaya, in collaboration with the State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD) and the Meghalaya State Capability Enhancement Project (SCEP), reports East Mojo.

Held at Asananggre under the Rongram Community and Rural Development Block in the West Garo Hills district, this event marks the first of its kind, with similar workshops planned for the Khasi and Jaintia Hills regions soon.

During the workshop, the Gram Sevaks and Sevikas affirmed their roles in rural development by signing an undertaking. Group discussions provided valuable insights into their challenges and long-term expectations.

Additionally, an online survey was conducted to assess the current responsibilities of the Gram Sevaks and Sevikas, paving the way for a roadmap to strengthen their institution.

Addressing the gathering, Sampath Kumar, IAS, the Principal Secretary of the C&RD Department, praised the AGHGSA for initiating the capacity-building workshop.

He emphasised that the Gram Sevaks and Sevikas play a crucial role as trusted institutions at the grassroots level, representing the State’s intentions at the village level, reports East Mojo.

Kumar reiterated Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma’s vision of empowering the Gram Sevak and Sevika institutions for a bottom-up development approach, stressing that it is an essential institution that can foster trust between citizens and the government.