Women and Child Development Department Leads in Administrative Reform Campaign and AssessmentSuccessful Completion of the 100-Day People-Centric Governance Drive

Mumbai – With the aim of bridging the gap between government and citizens by effectively delivering the benefits of government schemes, a 100-day office reform campaign was launched at the Mantralaya level under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Among all departments, the Women and Child Development Department emerged as the top performer for its office reforms. Minister Aditi Tatkare and Secretary Dr. Anupkumar Yadav were felicitated by Chief Minister Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at a recent ceremony.

This first-of-its-kind initiative focused on office reform and people-centric governance has proven to be a significant milestone for Maharashtra. The campaign emphasized three key pillars: citizen-friendliness, procedural efficiency, and accountability. Around 12,500 government offices across the state participated in this reform initiative with positive involvement.

The Women and Child Development Department took several impactful steps to ensure that welfare schemes reach women and children effectively. Their website http://womenchild.maharashtra.gov.in has been made more user-friendly and is available in both Marathi and English. It includes downloadable lists of notified services under the Maharashtra Public Services Rights Act and the RTS Act.

Key achievements include the activation of 145 Anganwadi centers under the PM Janjati Nyay Abhiyan, initiation of toilet facility work in 9,664 centers, and plans to launch daycare services in 345 Anganwadis. Over 33,000 Anganwadi workers received training in nutrition standards, and ten One-Stop Centers were approved. Through the Integrated Child Development Scheme, supplementary nutrition was provided for at least 300 days to more than 64 lakh beneficiaries. Additionally, 37,000 Anganwadis completed training under the “Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi” (Nutrition and Education) program. Anganwadi workers conducted home visits and counseling for over 9.33 lakh beneficiaries, achieving a 100% target. Growth monitoring for 48.59 lakh children was also successfully recorded using the Poshan Tracker system.

Every Anganwadi center met the goal of organizing two community development programs monthly, with a total of 6.62 lakh such events conducted. Maharashtra ranked first in the country under the Poshan Abhiyaan through the successful implementation of events during Poshan Maah and Poshan Pakhwada, with over 2.45 crore activities carried out. Under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, insurance premiums worth ₹2.76 crore were deposited to cover 1.21 lakh Anganwadi workers. Similarly, ₹36.52 lakh was deposited to provide coverage for 1.82 lakh workers under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana.

Drinking water facilities have been provided in 17,254 Anganwadi centers, and 13,595 centers have been upgraded into model centers. Maharashtra also ranked first in child adoption nationwide, with 537 children placed in permanent families. In a special campaign from January to March 2025, 331 child marriages were prevented and 27 FIRs were filed.

The department also undertook review of outdated records and disposal of obsolete items. In March 2025, 96.7% of complaints received through the ‘Aaple Sarkar’ portal were resolved under the guidance of Secretary Dr. Yadav.

Women Lokshahi Din programs are held monthly at the regional level. Office enhancements included clean drinking water, hygienic restrooms, breastfeeding rooms (Hirkani Kaksh), waiting lounges for visitors, clear signage, and beautification of office premises.

Administrative improvements also included implementation of e-Office systems, prompt clarifications for negative media reports, staff training, handling of service and legal matters, and adoption of AI tools. A legal cell headed by a Deputy Secretary (Law) has been formed to ensure timely resolution of court cases.

For data analytics under the ‘Mukhyamantri Mazi Ladki Bahin’ scheme, the Power BI dashboard has been utilized. The Maharashtra Women’s Economic Development Corporation (MAVIM) is working through 1.5 lakh self-help groups, empowering around 20 lakh women—30% of whom are emerging as entrepreneurs. MAVIM also collaborates with platforms like Amazon and ONDC to market SHG products.

Through effective implementation of these varied initiatives, the Women and Child Development Department has set a benchmark in ensuring maximum outreach of government schemes to women and children across Maharashtra.