Union Minister Highlights Importance of Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 in Recent Consultative Committee Meeting

Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, led a meeting with the Consultative Committee of MPs for the ministry. The focus was on flagship schemes like Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0. Minister of State, Savitri Thakur, and MPs from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha joined the discussion on women and child welfare.

During the meeting, Annapurna Devi highlighted the ministry's dedication to enhancing nutrition, health, and early childhood care, especially in underserved areas. She also emphasised empowering women throughout their lives. A comprehensive overview of initiatives such as Mission Shakti and Mission Vatsalya was provided by the minister.

Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0

The modernisation of Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) under Mission Saksham Anganwadi was showcased by the minister. On September 30, 2024, over 11,000 upgraded Saksham Anganwadis were inaugurated. These centres offer improved infrastructure, digital tools, and training for workers to enhance nutrition delivery and Early Childhood Care and Education services.

Plans are underway to upgrade two lakh AWCs by 2025-26. Significant developments under Poshan 2.0 were also noted by Devi. Efforts to combat malnutrition and support Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are part of these developments.

Efforts in PVTG Areas

Out of 2,500 planned AWCs in PVTG areas, 780 are operational, serving over 22,000 beneficiaries. Initiatives like Jan Andolan campaigns and community-based events have engaged millions to raise awareness and encourage local participation in improving nutritional outcomes.

The Poshan Tracker app is a key feature of the program. It enables real-time monitoring of nutritional indicators in 24 languages. Additionally, self-registration for beneficiaries has been introduced by the ministry to facilitate easier access to Anganwadi services.

Feedback from MPs

Annapurna Devi responded to suggestions from MPs about addressing infrastructure gaps and improving coordination between states and the Centre. She assured a proactive approach would be taken. MPs were encouraged to visit Anganwadi Centres in their constituencies to raise awareness about the schemes.

Officials were directed to act on feedback from the committee for better service delivery. Other initiatives highlighted during the meeting included Mission Shakti, which integrates programs like One Stop Centres and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.

Mission Vatsalya

Mission Vatsalya provides care and support for children in distress through schemes like PM CARES for Children and child protection services. These schemes collectively aim to reduce malnutrition, empower women, and safeguard children.

The initiatives benefit over 10.12 crore individuals, including children under six years, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and adolescent girls. Annapurna Devi reiterated the ministry's goal of building India's human capital through a lifecycle approach.

The minister stressed ensuring that these initiatives reach the most vulnerable communities effectively. The commitment remains strong towards improving lives through these comprehensive programs.