Shillong, Oct 31: In a country where street begging remains a daily sight, Meghalaya stands out as a remarkable exception — a state with virtually no beggars on its streets. The reason lies not in policing, but in the state’s deep-rooted community values and strong social welfare system that ensure every individual — child, woman, or differently abled — receives care and dignity.

Explaining this unique achievement, Camelia Doreen Lyngwa, Director of Social Welfare, Meghalaya, said the state’s success is built on collaboration between government agencies, community networks, and inclusive social policies.

“We are a society and a government that cares even for people who come from other states. No one is left in the lurch,” Lyngwa said. “In the length and breadth of Meghalaya, we don’t have beggars, especially among our tribal communities — because we take care.”

At the heart of Meghalaya’s compassionate ecosystem lies a network of shelter homes, observation homes, and rehabilitation centers providing safety and dignity to vulnerable groups — from destitute children to women rescued from the streets and individuals with mental health challenges.

For children from economically weaker or broken families, the state operates six shelter units that offer education, counseling, and skill-based training. “We want to minimize mental stress and depression,” Lyngwa said. “Many children learn embroidery and knitting. Their handiwork is sold, and the earnings are deposited in their bank accounts.”

Women in distress, including those with mental disabilities, are cared for at specialized facilities like Shakti Sadan and Shakti Niwas, which currently house around 75 women — many from outside the state. These centers provide food, clothing, emotional care, and a sense of belonging under the supervision of trained caregivers.

Community participation remains central to Meghalaya’s success story. In rural and tribal areas, extended families and clan systems ensure that even orphans are rarely left without guardians. During school vacations, children from shelter homes often return to their grandparents or relatives — a testament to the resilience of the Khasi matrilineal culture.

Each child under state care receives ₹4,000 per month, jointly supported by the Chief Minister’s Office and the Social Welfare Department. But beyond financial aid, the focus, Lyngwa said, is on restoring dignity, inclusion, and emotional well-being.

As Meghalaya progresses toward its vision of becoming a “Happiness State,” its quiet yet powerful model of compassion-based governance stands out as a lesson for the rest of India — showing that when communities and government work hand in hand, no one needs to beg to survive.

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