Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Smt. Savitri Thakur, recently visited an Anganwadi Centre in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, highlighting the remarkable progress made in women and child welfare over the past 11 years. According to Smt. Thakur, this decade has laid the foundation for a “New India led by Nari Shakti” under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Key Achievements
– Anganwadi Infrastructure Transformation: The Minister emphasized that Anganwadi Centres have evolved into vibrant, modern hubs for early childhood care and development, moving beyond their traditional role as nutrition delivery points. This transformation is in line with the Saksham Anganwadi vision under the Poshan 2.0 framework.
– Digital Tools and Training: Smt. Thakur highlighted the impact of digital tools like the Poshan Tracker and training for frontline workers, making Anganwadis more responsive and efficient in delivering essential services.
– Nutrition and Health: The Government has prioritized nutrition and health, with initiatives like Poshan Abhiyaan and Mission Indradhanush aiming to reduce malnutrition, anemia, and stunting.
– Education and Empowerment: Schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana promote girls’ education and protection, while initiatives like Skill India Mission and Digital Saksharta Abhiyaan empower women through skill development and digital literacy.
Landmark Initiatives
– Mission Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0: This mission adopts a lifecycle approach to combat malnutrition, focusing on nutritional sufficiency, early childhood development, and technology integration.
– Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): Provides financial support to pregnant and lactating women, ensuring rest and nutrition.
– Anaemia Mukt Bharat: Aims to reduce anemia among women, children, and adolescents through IFA supplementation and deworming.
– One Stop Centres (Sakhi Centres): Offers integrated support services for women affected by violence, including legal, psychological, and medical aid.
– Women Helpline – 181: A 24×7 helpline for women in distress.
Government Commitment
Smt. Thakur reiterated the Government’s commitment to strengthening Anganwadi infrastructure, ensuring last-mile service delivery, and making India malnutrition-free. Anganwadi Centres are recognized as key instruments of social justice, supporting the health and development of future generations. The Minister emphasized that the past decade has seen unprecedented steps to ensure women and children are safe, healthy, empowered, and self-reliant, laying the foundation for a New India led by Nari Shakti.
