Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma Highlights Role of Anganwadi Workers in Nation Building
Strengthening the Foundation for Future Generations
Jaipur. On Monday, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma hosted an event at his residence where he transferred ₹1,000 each to the bank accounts of 122,000 Anganwadi workers and helpers for two uniforms via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). During the event, he also distributed checks to beneficiaries of the Prime Minister's Matru Vandana Yojana, Lado Protsahan Yojana, and Kalibai Bheel Yojana.
Sharma emphasized the crucial role Anganwadi workers play in nurturing young children, stating that they are instrumental in laying a strong foundation for the future generation and contributing significantly to nation-building. He noted that the government has implemented several measures over the past two years to strengthen Anganwadi services. A 10% increase in remuneration for Anganwadi workers, helpers, and mid-day meal cooks will take effect from April 1, 2026. He mentioned that under the Amrit Aahar scheme, children aged 3 to 6 years at Anganwadi centers receive warm milk five days a week, and renovation work for Anganwadi centers is also underway. Additionally, Anganwadi workers and female supervisors have been provided with smartphones, and plans are in place for free eye check-ups and glasses for Anganwadi workers in the future.
Encouraging Community Participation in Development
Chief Minister Invites Suggestions for Developed Village-Ward Campaign
The Chief Minister stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes that strengthening basic facilities in villages is essential for building a self-reliant India. With this goal in mind, the state government is conducting the Chief Minister Developed Village-Ward Campaign from March 19 to May 15. This initiative aims to create a development roadmap tailored to the local aspirations of all village panchayats and urban wards in the state. He encouraged Anganwadi workers to actively participate in this initiative by providing suggestions for village development.
Empowering Women Through Various Initiatives
Numerous Schemes for Women's Upliftment
The Chief Minister remarked that the development of the nation and the state is only possible through the empowerment of women. Under the Lakhpati Didi scheme, over 1.6 million women have been uplifted in the state. This year's budget has increased the loan amount under this scheme from ₹1 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh. He highlighted that women involved in animal husbandry have benefited from a ₹5 per liter subsidy on milk. Various schemes, including the Prime Minister's Matru Vandana Yojana and Maa Voucher Scheme, have contributed to women's empowerment.
During the event, Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari noted that Anganwadi workers play a vital role in shaping the personalities of young children. She mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has introduced new dimensions to women's empowerment through initiatives like Lakhpati Didi, Solar Didi, and Bank Sakhi, which aim to economically and socially empower women. She affirmed that under Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma's leadership, historic decisions have been made for women's upliftment, with the state government prioritizing women's education, skills, and safety.
The Chief Minister also unveiled the annual calendar of activities for Anganwadi centers, attended by various officials, including the Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Manju Bagmar, and a large number of Anganwadi workers and helpers.