Appreciates Innovations in Early Childhood Care and Education; Directs Officials to Reduce Malnutrition and Improve Quality of Services at Anganwadi Centres
Jaipur, October 2026 : A review meeting on the progress of various schemes and programmes of the Women and Child Development Department was held at the Government Secretariat on Monday under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary V. Srinivas.
The meeting was attended by Women and Child Development Department Secretary Poonam, Director of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Vasudev Malawat, Financial Adviser Manoj Shandilya and other senior departmental officials.
The Chief Secretary appreciated the innovations being introduced by the department in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) and directed officials to continue these initiatives. He also instructed them to make the National Education Policy (NEP)-based Aadharshila Curriculum more effective at all Anganwadi centres across the state.
The Aadharshila curriculum places special emphasis on the holistic development of children through play-based, activity-based and exploration-based learning methods.
Key Innovations and Achievements Appreciated by the Chief Secretary
1. Co-location of 98.5% of Anganwadi Centres with Schools
In the state, 98.5% of Anganwadi centres, amounting to 61,483 centres, have been co-located with and mapped to schools. This is helping ensure a smooth transition for children into primary education.
2. Capacity Building of 1,000 Champion Anganwadi Workers
The department has selected 1,000 high-performing Anganwadi workers as champions in recognition of their excellent work. An amount of ₹90 lakh has been sanctioned for this initiative. These champion workers will mentor three to four Anganwadi centres in their respective Gram Panchayats.
3. Enrolment of 2.47 Lakh Children Encouraged Through Praveshotsav
Under the Praveshotsav initiative, more than 2.47 lakh children in the age group of five to six years visited nearby schools, encouraging enrolment. Parent meetings are also being organised to increase parental participation.
4. Intensive Monitoring Through Poshan Tracker
The nutritional status of women and children is being monitored regularly and in real time through the Poshan Tracker.
Key Directions Issued by the Chief Secretary
Special attention should be given to districts that are lagging behind in meeting prescribed child health and nutrition standards.
Regular field visits and surprise inspections should be conducted to assess the actual implementation of schemes.
Anganwadi workers should be provided with the necessary skills and guidance to improve their performance.
Basic facilities, including electricity, drinking water and toilets, should be ensured at every Anganwadi centre.
The Chief Secretary said that the healthy and holistic development of children must be ensured through quality early education and improved nutrition services.
