Gandhinagar, August 11: Gujarat’s Minister of Women and Child Development, Dr. Manisha Vakil, has directed officials to ensure continuous monitoring of malnourished children until they achieve full health. This directive was issued during a state-level workshop focused on the development of 3,300 child-friendly Anganwadi and nutrition camps.
The workshop discussed the infrastructure development of Anganwadi centers and early childhood care programs. Dr. Vakil emphasized that Anganwadi centers are not just nutrition providers; they are the first step in children’s overall development and serve as real temples of education.
She stated that the new Anganwadi centers, ranging from 600 to 900 square feet, must provide a safe and conducive environment for children. She highlighted that the first six years of a child’s life are crucial for development, thus the Anganwadi environment should promote play, learning, and activities.
The Minister instructed that Anganwadi workers and assistants receive training in modern teaching methods, including innovative activities such as floor games, painting, and children’s songs. She announced that special health camps would be organized for malnourished children at the Anganwadi level.
Dr. Vakil clarified that merely conducting health checks or administering medication is insufficient. Officials must ensure regular monitoring of malnourished children and continue follow-ups until they are healthy. She also mentioned the importance of contacting parents to provide appropriate nutritional guidance.
Under the proposed ‘Nutrition Sangam Health Camp,’ the Health Department and the Women and Child Development Department will collaborate. The Minister also requested arrangements during ‘Mamata Day’ to enable ASHA and Anganwadi workers to coordinate activities such as weighing, measuring height, and vaccinations for pregnant women, adolescents, and children in one location.
Dr. Rakesh Shankar, Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, reported that better coordination has been established between the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and the Roads and Buildings Department for the infrastructural development of Anganwadi centers. He noted that over 3,300 new Anganwadi centers are being developed through joint efforts, while construction is ongoing for 1,507 centers for which tenders have been issued by the Roads and Buildings Department.
To ensure construction quality, experts from IIT Gandhinagar are being consulted. Additionally, third-party inspections are being conducted to uphold quality standards and realize the concept of ‘Smart Anganwadi.’
During the workshop, UNICEF presented designs and 3D models of smart Anganwadi centers that are child-friendly, safe, and environmentally conscious. Experts from IIT Gandhinagar provided guidance on third-party inspections to maintain construction quality.
The event also featured detailed discussions on the policy, guidelines, and implementation plan for the ‘Nutrition Sangam Health Camp’ by officials from the Roads and Buildings Department, ICDS Commissioner, Health Commissioner, and others. Certificates of appreciation were awarded to officials and staff for their exemplary work in the Anganwadi sector.
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