Ranchi: Annpurna Devi, Minister of Women and Child Development, Government of India, visited Ranchi today to assess the implementation of key initiatives under her Ministry. During the meeting, held at the Project Building Conference Room, the Minister reviewed various schemes aimed at empowering women and children, while also acknowledging Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to their welfare.
The Minister expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for expanding the scope of the PM Ayushman Bharat Jan Arogya Yojana (PM AB-JAY) to cover individuals over 70 years of age and for including Anganwadi workers and helpers under the scheme. She emphasized that these changes will increase insurance coverage in India, benefiting vulnerable sections of society.
In a significant move for early childhood development, Annpurna Devi announced the approval for upgrading 2,551 Mini Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) into full-fledged centres in Jharkhand. This initiative is part of the Mission Saksham Anganwadi, which aims to enhance the quality of service delivery in nutrition, health, and child development. She further mentioned that 6,850 Anganwadi Centres have already been approved for upgradation in Jharkhand.
Addressing the tribal population, the Minister highlighted the PM-JANMAN scheme, dedicated to the welfare of tribal communities. She confirmed the allocation of funds to 111 Anganwadi Centres in Jharkhand to specifically serve areas with vulnerable tribal populations.
Additionally, the Minister commended the ongoing Poshan Maah celebrations, noting that over 3.8 crore activities have been organized nationwide. In Jharkhand, the campaign “Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam” has facilitated over 26 lakh activities, aiming to raise awareness about maternal and child nutrition.
Key officials attending the meeting included Manoj Kumar, Secretary, Department of Women and Child Development, Jharkhand, and Gyanesh Bharati, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. The Minister directed them to prioritize the implementation of the PM-JANMAN scheme, improve training for Anganwadi Workers and Supervisors, and address operational challenges within the state’s Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).