Meghalaya recently achieved a major milestone on the national stage. The state won one Gold and two Silver trophies at the prestigious SKOCH Awards 2026. These accolades recognize the state’s success in fostering community-driven initiatives in Meghalaya. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced the results on January 11, 2026. He praised the hard work of local communities and government departments.
Read More: Pema Khandu Celebrates Indigenous Identity at Sarok Festival
Gold for Mushroom Development and Training
The state’s top honor went to the Mushroom Development Centre in Upper Shillong. It received the Gold Award for its work as a Shiitake Production and Training Centre. This project serves as a perfect example of successful community-driven initiatives in Meghalaya.
The centre empowers local farmers by teaching them modern cultivation techniques. It focuses on:
- Skill Development: Training youth and women in specialized mushroom farming.
- Value Addition: Helping farmers process their harvest for higher market prices.
- Income Generation: Creating sustainable livelihoods in rural areas.
[Image showing farmers at the Mushroom Development Centre in Upper Shillong]
Silver Awards for Rural Development and Tourism
The state also secured two Silver Awards for outstanding grassroots work. These projects highlight how the government uses local participation to drive growth.
Mawlai C&RD Block: Empowering Local Villages
The Mawlai Community and Rural Development (C&RD) Block earned a Silver Award. The judges recognized its impactful community-driven initiatives in Meghalaya that focus on grassroots infrastructure and social welfare. By involving village elders and local youth, the block ensures that development projects meet the actual needs of the people.
Nongwar Tourism Project: Sustainable Travel
The second Silver Award went to the Directorate of Tourism for the Nongwar Tourism Project. This initiative promotes community-based tourism. It seeks to balance economic growth with environmental care.
- Cultural Preservation: The project helps villagers showcase their heritage to visitors.
- Ecological Balance: It focuses on low-impact travel to protect Meghalaya’s natural beauty.
A People-Centric Model of Governance
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma stated that these awards reflect the state’s commitment to inclusive growth. He noted that the focus remains on “people-centric development models.” By prioritizing community-driven initiatives in Meghalaya, the state has become a leader in innovation and sustainability.
The SKOCH Awards are among India’s highest independent honors. They recognize excellence in governance and public service. For Meghalaya, these wins prove that when communities and the government work together, they create lasting change. The state continues to invest in these models to ensure that every citizen benefits from progress.
Read More: Howrah-Anand Vihar Amrit Bharat Weekly Express: New Stoppages in Bihar Announced