Ensure maximum reach of nutrition, healthcare and women-empowerment schemes to children and women: Chief Minister Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that the activities of the Women & Child Development Department are centered on ensuring nutrition, promoting the holistic development of children and women, and strengthening their empowerment. He directed that schemes and programmes must be implemented with complete transparency, ensuring that maximum beneficiaries receive services smoothly in accordance with the spirit of good governance. He instructed officials to make greater use of IT-based systems for effective programme monitoring.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav directed officials to coordinate closely with the School Education and Health Departments on nutrition and health initiatives and with the Technical Education and Industries Departments for women’s skill development, employment and empowerment. Women & Child Development Minister Sushri Nirmala Bhuria, Chief Secretary Shri Anurag Jain, Additional Chief Secretary Shri Neeraj Mandloi, and senior departmental officers were present. A presentation on the department’s achievements and innovations over the last two years was also given. The Chief Minister issued necessary directions regarding the action plan for the coming years.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the Ladli Lakshmi Yojana plays a vital role in securing a bright future for the daughters of the state. The department must ensure that no beneficiary girl drops out at any stage of the scheme. Strict monitoring should be maintained, and any dropout cases must be resolved immediately to ensure the re-enrolment of beneficiaries. He emphasised that negligence in the implementation of schemes related to women and children will not be tolerated. He stated, “Our goal is to further strengthen transparency, timeliness, and beneficiary-centric governance.” He also instructed district administrations to coordinate with the Panchayat and Rural Development Department for the construction of boundary walls at Anganwadi centres.

Chief Secretary Shri Anurag Jain directed that innovations implemented in various districts should be scientifically evaluated by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Good Governance and Policy Analysis, and suitable models should be replicated across other districts.

Women & Child Development Minister Sushri Nirmala Bhuria

Minister Sushri Bhuria informed the meeting that under the ‘PM JANMAN’ Yojana, the design and online monitoring module for building construction has received national-level recognition. Madhya Pradesh has received the highest approval for 704 Anganwadi buildings under the scheme, achieving the fastest construction progress in the country. The ‘Moti Aai’ innovation of Jhabua district for malnutrition reduction has been honoured with the nation’s highest award, the Prime Minister’s Excellence Award.

Department’s Achievements in the Last Two Years

• Madhya Pradesh becomes the first state in the country to implement a fully online and transparent recruitment process for Anganwadi Workers.

• State ranks first in the Face Recognition System (FRS) process for Take-Home Ration; nationally acclaimed.

• 20,243 children benefited under the Sponsorship Scheme; State ranks second in India.

• An advanced real-time monitoring module developed for building construction.

• 20-metre geo-fencing introduced for attendance, setting a benchmark for digital transparency.

• Under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, assistance of over ₹512 crore provided to 9.70 lakh pregnant women.

• Under the Ladli Behna Yojana, ₹36,778 crore transferred to beneficiaries between January 2024 and November 2025.

• 1,72,000 women assisted through the Women Helpline; 52,095 women provided safety through One Stop Centres.

• Under Beti Bachao–Beti Padhao, 6,520 driving licences issued and 8,637 girls trained for competitive exaSushri

• Large-scale upgradation of Anganwadi centres; 12,670 centres declared “Saksham Anganwadi”.

District-Level Innovations

• Dindori – Rewa Project: Health check-ups for children along with provision of nutrition and hygiene kits.

• Ashoknagar – Hriday Abhiyan: Community-supported distribution of nutrition items with continuous follow-up of nutrition levels.

• Dewas – Kilkari Campaign: Encouraging private sector participation in departmental activities.

• Neemuch – “Hamari Anganwadi Abhiyan”: Nutrition support, child care, and regular health check-ups for malnourished children by “Poshan Mitras”.

• Datia – “Mera Bachcha Abhiyan”: Encouraging capable individuals to sponsor and follow up malnourished children.

Key Points of the 3-Year Action Plan

• From 2026, hot cooked meals to be provided in urban Anganwadis through centralised kitchens.

• As per Vision 2047, workbooks and development cards to be introduced for improving pre-school education.

• Scholarship/incentive payments to be provided to over 34 lakh girls under the Ladli Lakshmi Yojana.

• Construction of 9,000 new Anganwadi buildings under the mega plan for infrastructure strengthening.

• Massive awareness campaigns under the Hub for Empowerment of Women on gender issues, safety, and legal assistance.

• Under Beti Bachao–Beti Padhao, initiatives for school completion of dropout girls, skill training, self-defence, and driving licences.

Major Directions

• Increased use of IT for monitoring programme implementation.

• Issued directions for action plan for upcoming years.

• Ladli Lakshmi Yojana is crucial for securing a bright future for daughters.

• No dropout should occur at any stage under Ladli Lakshmi Yojana.

• No negligence will be tolerated in implementing schemes for women and children.

• Strengthen transparency, timeliness, and beneficiary-centric governance.

• Build boundary walls of Anganwadi centres through coordination with Panchayat & Rural Development Department.

• National appreciation for building design and online monitoring under PM JANMAN Yojana.

• Highest approval for 704 Anganwadi buildings; fastest progress nationally.

• Jhabua’s “Moti Aai” initiative honoured with Prime Minister’s Excellence Award.