Minister addresses PoshanPakhwada celebrations at Jammu
Jammu :Minister for Social Welfare, Education, Health and Medical Education, SakeenaItooFriday said that Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and Helpers are the backbone of grassroots child welfare and community development, adding that their role extends far beyond service delivery.
The Minister was speaking at the concluding ceremony of 8th PoshanPakhwada celebrations held at Government Polytechnic College, Jammu.
Mission Director ICDS, Sajad Hussain Ganie; Secretary in Social Welfare department, Bashir Ahmad Khan; Director Social Welfare Jammu, Ranjeet Singh; Director Health Services Jammu, Dr. Abdul Hamid Zargar; Programme officers, CDPOs, Supervisors and large number of Anganwadi workers and Helpers were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering Minister commended the dedication of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers, recognizing them as essential to grassroots child welfare and nutrition services. Their role transcends mere service delivery, as they are the primary contact for mothers, children, and families in both rural and urban settings. The Minister emphasized that these workers are pivotal change-makers, contributing significantly to early childhood care, nutrition, pre-school education, and overall child welfare, thereby laying the groundwork for a healthier future generation. The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) sector is extensive, employing over 28,000 individuals. The Minister noted that Anganwadi Workers and Helpers also engage with other departments, such as education and health, during awareness programs and events. She called for collaborative efforts from families, communities, and government entities to ensure proper nutrition for every child and essential healthcare for mothers. The PoshanPakhwada initiative was highlighted as a crucial effort to combat malnutrition and promote awareness about balanced nutrition and early childhood care. Sakeena Itoo provided historical context, mentioning that the ICDS project was introduced in Jammu and Kashmir in 1996. She stressed the need to integrate hygiene awareness with child development initiatives, advocating for continued education on sanitation, nutrition, and preventive healthcare, as a clean environment is vital for reducing disease and enhancing quality of life. The Minister also shared government achievements, including an increase in Marriage Assistance and the removal of qualification barriers for the scheme. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the Anganwadi ecosystem through improved infrastructure and support for frontline workers, assuring that their welfare is a priority.
Additionally, a policy for appointing dependents of deceased Anganwadi workers and Helpers was announced. The Mission Director of ICDS reported on the extensive activities conducted during PoshanPakhwada, with over 732,000 events documented on the Jan Andolan portal. He expressed gratitude for the increased Capex Budget, which will facilitate the operation of new Anganwadi centers. The Minister also distributed appointment orders to newly recruited Anganwadi Workers and Helpers and awarded Vidyarambh certificates to children who completed pre-schooling at Anganwadi centers. Cultural programs presented by Anganwadi Workers and Helpers underscored the importance of nutrition for mothers and children.
