Jaipur, October 2026: Chief Secretary V. Srinivas on Saturday chaired a review meeting at the Directorate of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in Gandhi Nagar, Jaipur, to assess Poshan 2.0, the key activities undertaken at Anganwadi centres and the functioning of Anganwadi workers.
During the meeting, the Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department and the Director of ICDS made presentations on various departmental programmes and activities.
Chief Secretary reviews Anganwadi operations, directs officials to conduct regular visits
The Chief Secretary held detailed discussions on the daily timetable for pre-school education at Anganwadi centres. He interacted with the Anganwadi workers present at the meeting to understand the functioning of the centres and appreciated their work.
The Anganwadi workers informed him about their daily responsibilities, including conducting pre-school education and childcare activities, providing snacks and freshly cooked meals, and updating activities on the Poshan Tracker.
They also undertake beneficiary registration under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and Mukhyamantri Matritva Poshan Yojana, monitor children's development, conduct family surveys and undertake targeted home visits every day.
The meeting was informed that monthly activities include two community-based events, one Mother and Child Health and Nutrition (MCHN) Day, meetings of the Anganwadi Management Committee (AMC) and worker-parent meetings.
It was noted that Anganwadi centres conduct various session-based pre-school educational activities every day for children aged between three and six years during their operational hours.
The Chief Secretary directed that all Anganwadi centres be developed as play schools. He also instructed officials to periodically inspect the daily functioning of ICDS Anganwadi centres. During surprise inspections, they must ensure that Anganwadi workers follow the prescribed activity calendar so that beneficiaries receive the intended benefits of welfare schemes.
Work of 100 outstanding Anganwadi workers to be documented
The Chief Secretary said Anganwadi workers play an important role in nation-building and shaping society. He directed the department to identify 100 outstanding Anganwadi workers, document their work and publish it to inspire others to follow their example.
Chief Secretary appreciates departmental innovations
The Chief Secretary appreciated the department's various innovations in pre-school activities, maternal and child health, and nutrition.
He particularly praised the 'Cash Plus Model' being implemented in the state. Under this model, pregnant and lactating women receive Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) benefits through the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) and Mukhyamantri Matritva Poshan Yojana (MMMPY), along with Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) activities.
Early identification and management of developmental delays in children
The Chief Secretary issued directions to strengthen the capacities of field workers to identify signs of developmental delays in children at an early stage.
He emphasised coordination among all concerned departments to ensure timely identification and appropriate management of developmental delays. He also directed UNICEF and the department to work towards developing digital management systems for this purpose.
Directions to strengthen convergence among ANMs, Anganwadi workers and ASHA workers
The Chief Secretary directed officials to improve coordination among Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), Anganwadi workers and ASHA facilitators (AAA convergence) to bring about the desired improvement in the health and nutritional status of women and children.
Floral tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel; plantation drive at Directorate
On the occasion of National Unity Day, marking the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India, the Chief Secretary paid floral tributes to the national leader.
He also inspected the Directorate premises and planted a sapling. During the visit, he interacted with various departmental employees and posed for a group photograph with them.
Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department Poonam, ICDS Director Vasudev Malawat, Financial Adviser Manoj Shandilya, Additional Director (Nutrition) D.N. Babble, Additional Director Alka Bishnoi, Additional Director (Women Empowerment) Neetu Rajeshwar, Deputy Director (Vishakha) Saroj Dhaka, other departmental officials, and representatives of UNICEF and IPE Global attended the meeting.
