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Department:
Information & Public Relations Department
Title: Social Welfare Department Hosts Workshop on Creating a Well-Functioning Care Economy
Press Release Number:
23/07/2026
Description:
Addressing the gathering, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Dr. Sampath Kumar, IAS, outlined the state's vision of adopting a life-cycle approach to social welfare, emphasising care and support at every stage of life-from early childhood to old age.
Dr. Kumar said Meghalaya's development strategy recognises the different needs of citizens throughout their lives. He noted that nearly 25 per cent of the state's population falls within the Early Childhood Development (ECD) age group of 0–8 years, making investment in young children one of the government's highest priorities.
Explaining the significance of the care economy, he said it should not only be viewed as a sector that creates employment opportunities for caregivers but also as an investment that generates long-term economic returns. Proper nutrition, early stimulation and quality care during a child's formative years, he said, enhance cognitive development, improve educational outcomes and increase future productivity, ultimately contributing to stronger economic growth.
Highlighting the importance of parental involvement, Dr. Kumar stressed that fathers have a vital role to play in early childhood development and encouraged them to spend more quality time with their children, particularly during the early years when brain development is at its peak. Citing scientific evidence, he said nearly 90 percent of brain development takes place before a child reaches the age of five
Dr. Kumar said Meghalaya's development strategy recognises the different needs of citizens throughout their lives. He noted that nearly 25 per cent of the state's population falls within the Early Childhood Development (ECD) age group of 0–8 years, making investment in young children one of the government's highest priorities.
Explaining the significance of the care economy, he said it should not only be viewed as a sector that creates employment opportunities for caregivers but also as an investment that generates long-term economic returns. Proper nutrition, early stimulation and quality care during a child's formative years, he said, enhance cognitive development, improve educational outcomes and increase future productivity, ultimately contributing to stronger economic growth.
Highlighting the importance of parental involvement, Dr. Kumar stressed that fathers have a vital role to play in early childhood development and encouraged them to spend more quality time with their children, particularly during the early years when brain development is at its peak. Citing scientific evidence, he said nearly 90 percent of brain development takes place before a child reaches the age of five
Released Date:
23 Jul 2026
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