Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu took a decisive step towards enhancing the effectiveness of the Women and Child Welfare Department by conducting an in-depth review of its various schemes and programs at the state Secretariat in Amaravati on Friday. The session was a platform for Naidu to get a comprehensive update on several key initiatives, including Anganwadi centers, women empowerment programs, and child protection measures under Mission Vatsalya.
During the review, officials briefed Naidu on the status of various schemes, including Balamrutham, Amrutha Hastam, Goru Mudda, and Bal Sanjeevani, which were introduced in 2014 to address critical issues related to child welfare and maternal health. These programs were designed to improve infant and maternal mortality rates, provide support to vulnerable children, and empower women across the state.
The officials reported that Andhra Pradesh currently has around 55,600 Anganwadi centers, comprising 48,770 main centers and 6,837 mini-centers. However, Naidu expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of progress in expanding and upgrading these centers over the past five years. He pointed out the necessity for a renewed focus on constructing new Anganwadi centers and improving the existing ones to ensure they meet essential standards, including access to basic amenities like toilets and reliable electricity.
In response to these concerns, Naidu directed officials to prioritize the construction and enhancement of Anganwadi centers. He emphasized that these facilities play a crucial role in delivering essential services to women and children and urged that they should be equipped to provide a supportive and effective environment.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of implementing innovative ideas and programs to achieve tangible improvements in the department's outcomes. He stressed the need for a strategic plan to ensure that the impact of these initiatives is evident within a year. This approach aims to bring about visible and meaningful changes in the welfare of women and children.
Additionally, Naidu called for the effective utilization of central funds allocated for welfare programs and underscored the need to establish more women’s hostels across the state to provide safe and supportive environments for women. His directives are aimed at reinforcing the commitment to improving the overall welfare infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh.
Minister Gummadi Sandhya Rani, along with other officials, participated in the review meeting, where the discussions and directives set the stage for a focused and strategic approach to enhancing the Women and Child Welfare Department's impact.
