Lucknow, March 30 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday highlighted that the nation's future will be strong if the newborn and the mother are well-nourished and healthy, saying the "double-engine government" has taken several steps in this regard.
According to an official statement, during the event, Adityanath distributed smartphones to 69,804 Anganwadi workers and supervisors, over two lakh growth monitoring devices, and appointment letters to 18,440 Anganwadi workers and helpers.
Besides, 3,170 Anganwadi centre buildings and 140 Child Development Project Office buildings were inaugurated or their foundation stones were laid during the event, the statement said.
Describing the initiative as a "long-awaited programme", Adityanath said efforts have been underway to ensure that every Anganwadi worker is equipped with a smartphone.
Addressing the gathering, he said, "If the newborn is well-nourished and the mother is healthy, the future of India will be strong." The chief minister added that several steps have been taken over the past nine years under the "double-engine government" to achieve these goals.
Highlighting the challenge of real-time data reporting by frontline women workers, often due to a lack of digital access, Adityanath said, "Providing smartphones and ensuring proper training in their use is essential."
The BJP leader also highlighted that, as the National Education Policy 2020 envisages pre-primary education for children aged 3-5 years at Anganwadi centres, their role will expand.
He said several such facilities were also initiated as part of the programme, and added that around 27,000 centres previously operated under the basic education system are being made available to the Anganwadi network.
Referring to efforts of the central government, he said the initiative aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to build a strong foundation for the country's future through improved child nutrition and maternal health.
Lauding Anganwadi workers and helpers, Adityanath said that their role has been recognised at the highest level, with the Prime Minister likening them to Yashoda for their nurturing contribution to children.