Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called for universities and educational institutions to adopt nearby Anganwadi Centres and undertake social-impact studies to improve service delivery, while participating in the valedictory session of the National Departmental Summit on Women and Child Development at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in the national capital.
The Prime Minister also suggested involving medical students, National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers and National Cadet Corps (NCC) volunteers in Anganwadi Centres and community initiatives, while emphasising the need for greater attention to the health, nutrition and overall development of adolescent girls.
Strengthening Centre-State Coordination
The Prime Minister chaired the valedictory session of the two-day Summit, which brought together Ministers and senior officials from States and Union Territories for focused deliberations on nutrition and early childhood care, child protection, women’s safety and empowerment, and improved service delivery through greater convergence, according to a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
The Summit is part of the series of Departmental Summits envisioned by the Prime Minister to promote collaborative decision-making and strengthen coordination between the Centre and States.
Appreciating the intensive deliberations, Modi suggested that States could extend the initiative by organising similar ‘Chintan Shivirs’ at the district level and in Nagar Palikas and Mahanagar Palikas. He also proposed dedicated ‘Chintan Shivirs’ for Anganwadi Workers to facilitate the exchange of field experiences, innovations and practical solutions.
Anganwadi Centres as Hubs of Community Participation
Emphasising Jan Bhagidari, the Prime Minister said Anganwadi Centres should not function as isolated institutions but emerge as centres of community participation. He suggested encouraging families living nearby to contribute nutritious food, toys and other locally relevant items for children on special occasions.
He also stressed the importance of involving educational institutions in strengthening Anganwadi services. By adopting nearby centres and conducting social-impact studies, universities could provide students with opportunities to contribute to community welfare while generating insights to improve service delivery.
Medical students, NSS volunteers and NCC volunteers could similarly be associated with Anganwadi Centres and other community initiatives, PM Modi said.
Focus on Women’s Safety and Adolescent Health
The Prime Minister called for greater attention to the health, nutrition and overall development of adolescent girls.
On women’s safety, PM suggested developing age-appropriate learning modules for children to promote awareness of women’s safety, dignity and empowerment. He also emphasised preventive action through coordinated efforts across departments.
Linking Cleanliness with Health and Nutrition
Highlighting the close relationship between cleanliness, health and nutrition, Modi called upon Women and Child Development Departments across the country to take active ownership of the Swachhata Abhiyan.
PM Modi stressed that good health and nutrition begin with cleanliness, adding that Anganwadi Centres and surrounding communities could serve as important platforms for promoting behavioural change.
Promoting Women’s Economic Empowerment
The Prime Minister called for promoting national initiatives such as Vocal for Local and One District One Product (ODOP) to advance women’s empowerment. He noted that women’s collectives and community institutions could play an important role in strengthening local products, livelihoods and economic opportunities.
Emphasising the responsibilities of the Ministry of Women and Child Development and its counterparts in the States, Modi said their work touched one of the largest and most important segments of society. The children being nurtured in Anganwadi Centres today, he observed, would grow into the youth and citizens who would contribute to building Viksit Bharat.
-PIB inputs
