In a significant boost to the state's early childhood care infrastructure, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel distributed appointment letters to more than 9,000 newly recruited Anganwadi workers and helpers in Gandhinagar on Thursday. The event marked a major step in strengthening the foundational pillar of child development and maternal care in the state.
A New Era for Anganwadi Infrastructure
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel highlighted the transformative journey of Anganwadi centres across Gujarat. He noted that these centres, which once operated from makeshift spaces like old houses, panchayat buildings, and even temples, have now been transformed into fully equipped facilities. This overhaul is credited to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leading to the construction of modern centres statewide.
The result of this focused initiative is evident in the numbers. Gujarat now boasts over 53,000 operational Anganwadi centres, all providing enhanced services. During the ceremony, Patel also performed the e-inauguration and laid the foundation for approximately 170 new centres, with an ambitious plan to build more than 10,000 additional Anganwadis in the coming years.
Nutrition, Healthcare, and Early Education: The Core Mission
Emphasizing the government's commitment, the Chief Minister stated that the state is dedicated to providing essential nutrition, healthcare for mothers and children, and early childhood education. He shared a message from Prime Minister Modi, underscoring the critical role of Anganwadi workers. "PM Modi always tells me that Anganwadi workers have a huge role to play in the development of children. Anganwadi is the stepping stone in shaping a child's life," Patel told the attendees.
In a lighter moment, observing the predominantly female audience of new recruits, the CM humorously remarked, "I am happy to see so many women here, but there is pin-drop silence."
Joining a National Mission, Not Just a Job
Manisha Vakil, the Minister for Women and Child Development, addressed the newly appointed workers, framing their roles in a larger context. She emphasized that they were not merely receiving a government job but were joining a vital mission of nation-building.
She outlined their core responsibilities:
- Providing poshan (nutrition) to children and mothers.
- Instilling sanskar (values) in young minds.
- Teaching children to become good human beings.
This event underscores the Gujarat government's sustained focus on empowering its frontline workers in the social sector and investing in robust infrastructure for holistic child development, setting a benchmark for early care and education in the country.
