Meghalaya Joins Mizoram and Nagaland in Rejecting
Shillong, Meghalaya — In a significant move that underscores the state's cultural and religious sensitivities, the Meghalaya government has firmly declined to rename its health and wellness centres as "Ayushman Arogya Mandirs," following similar decisions by Mizoram and Nagaland. The decision comes after receiving a directive from the central government in November 2023 suggesting the renaming of these centres as part of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which aims to provide universal health coverage across the country.
Meghalaya, with a population where around 75% practice Christianity, has chosen to maintain the secular identity of its healthcare institutions, which have been a critical part of the state's health infrastructure. The state's Health and Family Welfare Minister, S. N. Kynjing, confirmed that there would be no notification issued to change the names of the existing health and wellness centres, which are seen as neutral and inclusive spaces for all citizens.
A Culturally Sensitive Decision
The decision to maintain the original names of health centres comes at a time when religious and cultural considerations are playing an increasingly prominent role in governance. With Christianity being the predominant religion in Meghalaya, the government is keen on ensuring that its public health policies do not inadvertently alienate large sections of its population. Health centres are seen as community hubs, and the name change could have sparked controversy among religious communities sensitive to terms associated with Hindu traditions.
“Health is a state subject, and as such, we have the right to make decisions that align with the cultural sensitivities of our people,†Kynjing said in a statement. “We are committed to providing the best healthcare services to our people, but we must also respect their beliefs and traditions.â€
This decision mirrors the stance taken by the governments of Mizoram and Nagaland, where similar objections were raised against the renaming of health centres. In these states, where the Christian population is even higher—about 90% in both regions—the renaming of health centres as "Arogya Mandirs" (temples of health) was met with resistance for reasons of cultural incompatibility.
Religious Sensitivity and Public Health
For many in Meghalaya, the issue is not about opposing government healthcare schemes but about ensuring that health services remain inclusive and free from religious connotations. “The name of a health centre is about providing care to everyone, regardless of their faith. It should be a neutral space, a place where all people can come for help, without any religious undertones,†said Rev. Samson Kharshiing, a prominent Christian leader from Shillong.
Health and wellness centres, particularly those under the Ayushman Bharat initiative, are critical to the government's mission of improving healthcare access to the underprivileged. However, renaming these centres to include terms closely associated with Hinduism, such as “mandir†(temple), raised concerns about whether it would create a divide among the people of Meghalaya, where religious tensions could arise over such terminology.
The Political Landscape and Secularism
The Meghalaya government’s decision highlights the importance of secularism in the state’s political discourse. Meghalaya has a history of navigating the delicate balance between different religious and ethnic groups, and the state has largely managed to avoid the sectarian divisions that have plagued other parts of the country.
“This is a crucial move to preserve the secular fabric of Meghalaya. Health services should never be linked to religion, and the people of this state expect their leaders to respect this fundamental principle,†stated political analyst Patricia Marak. “Renaming the health centres could have created a divide, and the government’s decision to retain the existing names is a clear signal of its commitment to inclusivity.â€
Ayushman Bharat and Regional Priorities
While the decision to reject the renaming of health centres has garnered widespread approval from local communities and political leaders in Meghalaya, it is also seen as a reaffirmation of the state’s ability to prioritize its own needs and values within the framework of national schemes.
The Ayushman Bharat scheme, launched by the Indian government, aims to provide financial protection to poor and vulnerable families against health-related expenses. While the scheme is an important part of the government's efforts to enhance healthcare access, states like Meghalaya are asserting their autonomy in how such initiatives are implemented locally.
The central government's advisory to rename health and wellness centres is part of a broader push to standardize the branding of government initiatives across the country. However, states like Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland have opted for more regionally appropriate solutions that reflect their unique cultural identities.
A Unified Approach to Healthcare
Despite the decision on the name, the Meghalaya government remains committed to improving healthcare delivery through initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat, which continues to benefit a significant portion of the state’s population. The state government has emphasized that the focus will remain on delivering quality healthcare services, regardless of the name on the building.
“What matters most is the healthcare that people receive, not the name on the door,†Minister Kynjing added. “Our people are our priority, and we will continue to work towards a healthier Meghalaya.â€
As the state continues to navigate the complexities of national policies and regional sensitivities, the decision on the health and wellness centre names marks a clear stance on the importance of cultural respect and inclusivity in public service. For now, the health centres in Meghalaya will retain their original identities, serving the needs of all citizens without religious connotations, and standing as symbols of unity in a diverse and pluralistic society.