Lucknow: CM Yogi Adityanath distributed smartphones to 69,804 Anganwadi workers and supervisors and appointment letters to 18,440 workers and helpers on Monday. The CM also inaugurated and laid the foundation for various child development and women welfare projects, amounting to more than Rs 450 crore.The distribution of smartphones is being looked at as a crucial step towards making Anganwadis digital and transparent. Using smartphones, Anganwadi workers will be able to track nutrition, update children’s data, monitor pregnant women and be able to implement govt schemes. In addition to this, appointment letters were issued to 18,440 candidates from various districts, including Rae Bareli, Amethi, Sidhauli and Gosainganj. Equipment like stadiometers, infantometers and weighing scales were also handed over to Anganwadi workers. A govt spokesperson said that across the state, 10,553 infantometers, 1,33,282 stadiometers and 58,237 mother-child weighing scales are being provided to Anganwadi workers, which will allow them to carry out accurate monitoring of children’s height and weight, and ensure necessary and timely intervention to manage malnutrition. “Till now, 23,697 Anganwadi Centres have been developed as ‘Saksham Anganwadis’, with an expenditure of Rs 236 crore. These centres have been equipped with LED screens, RO machines, Early Childhood Care and Education kits and modern furniture. These centres are no longer limited to distribution of food but are becoming hubs for children’s holistic development, education, health and mental growth,” the official said. State govt is currently operating 1.89 lakh Anganwadi Centres across UP, from where 897 child development projects are being implemented. Work is on to equip all centres in a phased manner with smart, digital and modern facilities. “A healthy childhood is the foundation of a strong nation. Through proper nutrition, early education and adequate care, holistic development of children is being ensured. Today, Anganwadi centres are providing a safe, inspiring and play-based environment, which is essential for children’s mental and physical development,” the official said.
