Shillong, July 23: Meghalaya is positioning the care economy as a key pillar of its development strategy, with the state government arguing that investments in childcare and family support can fuel both social progress and economic growth.

Speaking at a workshop on “Creating a Well-Functioning Care Economy” at Shillong College on Thursday, Additional Chief Secretary Sampath Kumar said the state has adopted a life-cycle approach to social welfare, focusing on care and support from early childhood through old age.

He said nearly 25% of Meghalaya’s population is in the 0-8 age group, making early childhood development one of the government’s top priorities.

Calling the care economy an investment rather than a welfare expense, Kumar said quality nutrition, early stimulation and responsive caregiving improve children’s cognitive abilities, educational outcomes and future productivity, ultimately strengthening the state’s economy.

Highlighting the role of families, he urged fathers to become more involved in raising young children, noting that around 90% of brain development takes place before the age of five.

Kumar said Meghalaya is among the few states implementing a comprehensive Early Childhood Development (ECD) pilot, which has already led to increased enrolment in Anganwadi centres and better learning outcomes. He added that the initiative has drawn interest from several other states looking to replicate the model.

The workshop, organised by the Directorate of Social Welfare in collaboration with Shillong College’s Department of Sociology, brought together policymakers, academicians and students to discuss how stronger care systems can support inclusive development while creating new economic opportunities.

Among those present on the occasion were Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Pravin Bakshi; Director of Social Welfare, and Saloni Verma Dr. C. Joshua Thomas.