National Campaign on Anganwadi launched

Bureau,Odishabarta

Bhubaneswar, December 14, 2023 — A month-long national campaign on Anganwadi, titled “Anganwadi: The Lifeline of Rural India,” was launched in the city by CSOs Odisha Shramajeebee Mancha, Mahila Shramajeebee Mancha, Odisha, and Atmashakti Trust. The campaign aims to engage grassroots stakeholders, policymakers, CSOs, media, and sectoral experts to collect feedback through its Grassroots Narratives initiative. It will provide input and recommendations to state and central governments, contributing to the continued improvement of Anganwadi centers nationwide.

Distinguished guests, including Ms. Sanjukta Mohanty, Advisor to Mamata Scheme under W & CD Department, Government of Odisha; Ms. Quamar Sultana Begum, Member Secretary of Odisha State Council of Child Welfare; Mr. Aurobindo Behera, Former IAS and President of Citizen for Good Governance; Mr. Akshaya Kumar Sahu, Bureau Chief of Deccan Chronicle, Odisha; Mr. Sudarshan Das, Social Activist; Ms. Ruchi Kashyap, Executive Trustee of Atmashakti Trust; and Mr. Anjan Pradhan, Convener of Odisha Shramajeebee Mancha, addressed the attendees, emphasizing creating a communications platform for people at the last mile to channelize their voice to the policymakers to enhance the effectiveness of Anganwadi services.

Highlighting the crucial role of Anganwadi centers in child welfare and early childhood development, the event witnessed participation from Anganwadi Workers, Matru committee and Janch Committee members under ICDS, PRI Members, people collectives, and representatives from NGOs/INGOs. These participants shared grassroots experiences and suggested actions to improve Anganwadi functionality.