The Indian government is committed to improving the quality of early childhood education and nutrition, as evidenced by its decision to upgrade Anganwadis into Saksham Anganwadis. Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi announced the approval of the upgrade for 92,108 Anganwadis. This initiative is part of a larger effort to empower women and children across India.
As part of the ‘Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi’ initiative, the government has trained 11,412 state-level master trainers to provide comprehensive training to all Anganwadi workers nationwide. The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao program, which promotes girls’ education and empowerment, has been expanded to all districts. The government emphasizes that women are vital partners in India’s development and are crucial to the nation’s progress.
The Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 programs are specifically designed to address undernourishment among women and children, recognizing the strong connection between their social and physical well-being. The Ministry of Women and Child Development also operates childcare facilities and working women’s hostels to encourage greater female participation in the workforce.
The government has implemented comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and empowerment of women and children. One-Stop Centres offer essential services, including legal and medical support, to protect women. Furthermore, 24-hour toll-free helplines, 181 and 1098, provide immediate assistance to those in need.
The government has allocated a significant budget for programs focused on women’s welfare and empowerment. The gender budget for fiscal year 2024-25 is ₹3.3 lakh crore, representing a 37.3% increase from the previous fiscal year. The ERSS-112 emergency response system has been integrated with the child helpline, and 411 special POCSO courts have been established.
The government has established 785 One-Stop Centres across India to provide comprehensive support to women in need. The upgrade of 92,108 Anganwadis to Saksham Anganwadis is a crucial step towards enhancing the standard of nutrition and early childhood education. The government has also made substantial legislative amendments to the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, and the POCSO Act, 2012, strengthening legal protections for children.
These efforts are part of larger comprehensive missions such as Mission Saksham Anganwadi, Poshan 2.0, Mission Vatsalya, and Mission Shakti. The Ministry of Women and Child Development is committed to achieving the Prime Minister’s vision of a developed India through various initiatives designed to empower women and children and create a brighter future for all.
