Meghalaya launches ‘Mission 1000 Days’ to boost child nutrition and development

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday launched “Mission 1000 days” to improve nutrition and early childhood development outcomes for growth and development of a child. Conrad said through the programme, the government will provide support to a mother from conception to two years of age.
Launching the “Mission 1000 days”, the Chief Minister said the initiative is part of a broader effort to address core human development challenges through a targeted and evidence-based approach.
“When I took office in 2018, one of the first issues that deeply concerned me was the high maternal mortality rate in Meghalaya. It troubled not only me but the entire team, and we resolved to do everything possible to bring it down,” he said.
Noting that targeted interventions and improved access to services played a key role in achieving results, Sangma said, “Through sustained efforts over three years, we were able to significantly reduce maternal mortality—by nearly 50 per cent.”
Underscoring that governance requires prioritisation, particularly when addressing complex and widespread challenges, the Chief Minister said, “What we are trying to do instead is focus on resolving 60–70 per cent of the most critical issues.”
He said addressing challenges at scale can lead to broader improvements.
Highlighting socio-economic realities, Sangma pointed out that vulnerability in rural areas continues to be a major concern.
“Many mothers, due to extreme poverty, are forced to return to work within a month or two after childbirth. They do not want to leave their infants, but they have no choice,” he said, adding that the government is exploring ways to support such mothers.
Placing the initiative within the state’s broader development vision, he referred to the economic growth roadmap under Mission 10, noting the state’s progress from a $4.4 billion economy in 2018 to nearly $7 billion today, with future growth targets already outlined.
On the programme, the Chief Minister informed that Rs. 127 crore has been earmarked for “Mission 1000 Days”.
“This is a mission mode programme. We will continue to refine and improve it based on feedback, with the goal of eliminating stunting and malnutrition,” he said.
Calling for collective action, he added, “This mission cannot succeed through the efforts of a single department or individual. It requires collective participation from the entire society,” he said, exhorting citizens to contribute: “Do not think that you cannot contribute. Every individual can make a difference. This must become a people’s movement.”
He also stressed the role of fathers in caregiving.
“Fathers must participate actively in caregiving. Spending 20–30 minutes a day with a child—talking, playing, simply being present—can significantly influence their development,” he said.
Addressing frontline workers, the Chief Minister urged them to view their role beyond routine responsibilities. “Do not treat this as a job or duty. Measure your success by the lives you improve—by every mother saved and every child given a healthier future,” he said.
Additional chief secretary and development commissioner, Sampath Kumar described the initiative as a focused intervention targeting the first 1,000 days of life.
“Nearly 75–80 per cent of brain development occurs by the age of two, with children achieving almost half of their adult height during this phase, underlining the long-term importance of early interventions,” Kumar informed.
He said the mission will include capacity building of frontline workers, large-scale engagement with mothers for behavioural change, community-based nutrition initiatives using local foods, and technology-driven tracking for timely intervention.
Experts at the event also highlighted persistent challenges in child nutrition, including gaps in breastfeeding practices and early feeding, stressing the importance of awareness and correct practices to prevent long-term health risks.
“Mission 1000 Days” is supported by multiple partners, including the Meghalaya Early Childhood Development Mission (MECDM), Meghalaya State Rural Livelihoods Society (MSRLS), National Health Mission, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), State Capability Enhancement Project (SCEP), Har Ghar Jal – Jal Jeevan Mission, and other collaborating institutions.