Shillong, Jan 19: Governor CH Vijayashankar has called for community support to contain drug abuse in the state.
Addressing the Public Empowerment Assembly, (Ka Dorbar Iktiar Paidbah) organised by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council on January 18, the governor led the pledge to fight against drug abuse.
He read out the pledge while the gathering stood and assured its support.
The governor stressed the need to address drug abuse and called upon tribal organisations, religious institutions, and community leaders to collaborate with the government under the Drug Reduction Elimination and Action Mission(DREAM) initiative.
The pledge was reciprocated by the dignitaries and attendees to uphold the spirit of Meghalaya and to work together against the social evils like drug menace.
Matriliny
In his speech, the governor underscored the importance of Meghalaya’s matrilineal system, which forms the backbone of the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo societies while emphasising on significance of preserving Meghalaya’s unique cultural heritage amid progress and modernization.
The governor acknowledged the recent amendments to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Administration of Elaka) Act, 2023, and the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Khasi Social Custom of Lineage) Amendment Act, 2023, which empower grassroot institutions like Rangbah Shnong, Seng Kynthei, Seng Samla, and Rangbah Kurs. He emphasised that the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution grants unique responsibilities to Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and called for harmonious collaboration between ADC leaders and the state government to ensure balanced development.
The governor advocated the need for enhanced efforts to reduce dropout rates, especially among girls, and to prioritize skill development and higher education.
He said, “I feel deeply honoured to stand before you in this public empowerment assembly ‘Dorbar Iktiar Paidbah’ which reflects our shared commitment to the progress and wellbeing of our communities”.
Vijayashankar said that as head of the state he is privileged in assenting the KHAD Administration of Elaka Amendment Bill 2023, and the KHAD Khasi Social Custom Lineage Amendment Bill 2023.
According to him, this is the testament to empowerment of all grassroot institutions of the society in the state.
“The identity of Meghalaya is tied to its matrilineal system which is the foundation of our Khasi, Jaintia Garo societies. The system of honours to our mothers and women to ensure continuity of our rich traditions. I appeal to every citizen to cherish and protect our social heritage and customs” he said.
The governor said the district councils in Meghalaya are the custodians of traditions and governance systems. “I urge our council leaders to collaborate with the state government which is essential for overall development”, he said.
The event concluded with a call to action for all citizens, NGOs, and local leaders to actively participate in governance and progress, ensuring Meghalaya’s future as a beacon of inclusive development.
The initiative was held in presence of Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Chairman P.N. Syiem, Chief Executive Member of KHADC Pyniaid S. Syiem, and others.
