Policy strategy sets key priority areas for Nongstoin Diocese 

NEW NONGSTOIN, Meghalaya (Indian Catholic News) — The Diocese of Nongstoin in the northeastern Indian state of Meghalaya has outlined a detailed framework on its official website, setting comprehensive goals for regional education, financial governance, and community development.  

In its operational guidelines, the framework highlights administrative and governance standards across regional church-managed institutions.  

A strategy of the education section mandates the development of “common policies, standards, guidelines, and good practices, as determined by the competent Diocesan Commission, for the effective, transparent, accountable, and efficient administration and management of educational institutions under the diocese”.  

The strategy also incorporates specific mandates for safeguarding and regulatory alignment. One key initiative outlines plans “To ensure the effective implementation of the Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy in all educational institutions under the Diocese”.

Another component focuses on guiding institutions “in the appropriate transition and alignment of their educational programmes and curricula with the National Education Policy”. The National Education Policy (NEP) is India’s official framework for modernizing school and higher education.

The document, titled Strategic Plan – 2024, represents “the culmination of a comprehensive and participatory process undertaken by the diocese over a period of ten months” starting with initial discussions in June 2023.

The plan serves as a roadmap for “the religious, pastoral, charitable, educational, social, and developmental mission entrusted to us,” according to Bishop Wilbert Marwein of Nongstoin.  

Social services and environmental initiatives 

Regarding institutional resources, the strategy targets systematic financial oversight across all administrative levels. It calls for a “comprehensive Financial Manual establishing uniform policies, procedures, internal controls, accounting standards,” and reporting practices.

The plan further focuses on “establishing and strengthening systems of internal audit, financial review, monitoring, and internal control”.

The policy document also addresses social welfare, disaster response, and environmental protection across the region.

Under its social service goals, the strategy commits to “lawful charitable and social development activities” spanning healthcare, livelihood promotion, and poverty alleviation. It further emphasizes “protection and welfare of vulnerable persons, rehabilitation, environmental protection, justice and peace, and disaster preparedness and relief”

Specific environmental measures include promoting “the conservation and sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity, including the establishment and protection of fish sanctuaries where appropriate and permissible under applicable laws”.

The document further calls for “environmentally sustainable practices, including the responsible use of bio-pesticides, organic farming methods, waste management, reduction of single-use plastics, and the development of environmentally responsible and plastic-free campuses and communities”.  

Community support and youth development 

The strategy places structured emphasis on family enrichment, youth programs, and community support systems.

To strengthen these efforts, the diocese seeks “To establish and operate a Family Counselling and Support Centre”. The facility will provide “counselling, guidance, referral, and appropriate support services to individuals, couples, children, and families”.

To assist young adults, the youth ministry goals focus on providing “career guidance, educational counselling, and information” on higher education and skill development. The initiative also targets “employment, entrepreneurship, and other livelihood opportunities”.

Additionally, the document outlines plans “To establish and maintain a Public Relations and Communications Office for the Diocese”. This office will coordinate official publications, public information, and media engagement

The framework reflects a unified vision for the religious, educational, and social initiatives across the Diocese of Nongstoin. Bishop Marwein emphasized that the plan’s ultimate success will depend on the “sincere participation, cooperation, and dedicated efforts” of the clergy, religious communities, faithful, and collaborating institutions. 

Read the Diocesan Strategic Plan.