SHILLONG:
Following the successful workshop held for Gram Sevaks and Sevikas in Garo Hills region, more than 100 Gram Sevaks and Sevikas from the Khasi and Jaintia region came together for a one-day transformation workshop held on August 1. They reaffirmed their role and pledged to transform the rural development sector of the state.
It was organised by the All Meghalaya Gram Sevak/Sevika Service Association (AMGSSSA) in partnership with the Community and Rural Development Department, Government of Meghalaya, State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD), and Meghalaya State Capability Enhancement Project (SCEP) at SIRD, Nongsder, Ri Bhoi district.
Addressing the gathering, Director Community & Rural Development Department, S C Sadhu emphasised the pivotal role of the Gram Sevak/Sevika institution in ensuring superior service delivery in rural areas of Meghalaya.
Sadhu acknowledged that, after 50 years of Meghalaya’s establishment, the landscape of schemes and practices has undergone significant changes. To adapt and thrive in the present, he urged the Gram Sevaks and Sevikas to work together to reinvent their roles in the rural development sector and leave behind outdated approaches.
He also underscored the need for convergence with other departments, fostering enhanced service delivery – a primary objective for Gram Sevaks and Sevikas. Sadhu stressed on the importance of capacity building within the organisation, expressing confidence that this positive trajectory would pave the way for a well-structured department in the future.
Commissioner & Secretary C&RD Department, F R Kharkongor urged the participants to break free from the constraints of the past and embrace the dynamic nature of the present. Emphasising the workshop’s objective, he called for a transformation in mindset and approach among the attendees. “Gram Sevaks and Sevikas, you are vital building blocks in the development process and you are the frontiers of progress, dealing with files and schemes every day, and representing the face of change”, he added.
In a proactive move, Kharkongor assigned the Gram Sevaks and Sevikas the task of compiling a list of 50 innovative ideas to drive positive changes and development in their respective villages.
He continued, “I am assigning you the task of compiling a list of 50 innovative ideas to drive positive changes and development in various rural villages. This exercise aims to unlock invaluable insights for a brighter tomorrow,” he added.
Highlighting the roles and responsibilities of Gram Sevak and Sevikas, Director, SIRD, Shillong, Sanme R Marak emphasised their significance as the backbone of community welfare and development at the village level.
She added that their determination has the potential to uplift the economic conditions of the people in the village, and in certain cases, even eradicate poverty.
The event also witnessed the Gram Sevak/Sevika’s Declaration during which they took a pledge to diligently carry out their duties for the betterment of rural communities & also the sharing of 50 things for their 50th year.
Group Discussions were conducted to facilitate thought-sharing, and to hear the Gram Sevaks’/Sevikas’ perspectives about their role, challenges and long-term expectations. Signatures on banners became a memorable part of the activities, symbolising their commitment and dedication to the state’s rural development.