NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for universities and educational institutions to adopt nearby Anganwadi centres and undertake social-impact studies to improve service delivery, while participating in the valedictory session of the National Departmental Summit on Women and Child Development in New Delhi.
The Prime Minister also suggested involving medical students, National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers and National Cadet Corps (NCC) volunteers in Anganwadi centres and community initiatives, while emphasising the need for greater attention to the health, nutrition and overall development of adolescent girls.
PM Modi on October 9 chaired the valedictory session of the two-day summit, which brought together ministers and senior officials from states and Union Territories for focused deliberations on nutrition and early childhood care, child protection, women’s safety and empowerment, and improved service delivery through greater convergence, according to a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
The summit is part of the series of Departmental Summits envisioned by the Prime Minister to promote collaborative decision-making and strengthen coordination between the Centre and states.
Appreciating the intensive deliberations, PM Modi suggested that states could extend the initiative by organising similar ‘Chintan Shivirs’ at the district level and in Nagar Palikas and Mahanagar Palikas. He also proposed dedicated ‘Chintan Shivirs’ for Anganwadi workers to facilitate the exchange of field experiences, innovations and practical solutions.
PM Modi said Anganwadi centres should not function as isolated institutions but emerge as centres of community participation. He suggested encouraging families living nearby to contribute nutritious food, toys and other locally relevant items for children on special occasions.
The Prime Minister called for greater attention to the health, nutrition and overall development of adolescent girls.
On women’s safety, PM suggested developing age-appropriate learning modules for children to promote awareness of women’s safety, dignity and empowerment. He also emphasised preventive action through coordinated efforts across departments.
Highlighting the close relationship between cleanliness, health and nutrition, PM Modi called upon Women and Child Development Departments across the country to take active ownership of the Swachhata Abhiyan.
