Gujarat: In a major push to enhance maternal and child health services, more than 5.14 lakh beneficiaries have been newly enrolled under various Anganwadi schemes across Gujarat. The initiative, conducted between November 2025 and January 2026, aimed to ensure that pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children up to six years old have access to essential nutrition and healthcare services.
Targeted Coverage in Tribal and Rural Areas
The campaign recorded significant enrolments in tribal and rural regions, highlighting the government’s focus on bridging service gaps in underserved areas. Of the newly registered beneficiaries, over 2.55 lakh were from tribal areas, more than 2.07 lakh from rural regions, and around 51,000 from urban localities.
Comprehensive Outreach Drive
Led by Women and Child Development Minister Manisha Vakil, the WCD Coverage Drive sought to identify eligible beneficiaries who had previously remained outside the Anganwadi network. The campaign expanded access to supplementary nutrition, growth monitoring, and basic healthcare services, helping improve the overall health and wellbeing of mothers and young children.
Micro-Planning and Technology Integration
The campaign’s success was attributed to meticulous micro-planning by district administrations, which allowed teams to reach remote and interior regions effectively. The department leveraged TECHO software, a digital platform for maternal and child health tracking, combined with field verification to ensure accurate beneficiary identification and prevent duplication of records.
Role of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers
Frontline Anganwadi workers and helpers played a critical role, conducting door-to-door outreach and verification, supported by district-level officials. Their dedicated efforts ensured that the newly added beneficiaries were correctly registered and linked to essential services.
Strengthening Welfare Delivery Across Gujarat
The coverage drive underscores Gujarat’s commitment to inclusive development, particularly in areas where maternal and child health indicators require targeted intervention. By combining digital tools, field verification, and community-level outreach, the state has significantly enhanced the reach of Anganwadi services, ensuring that no eligible mother or child is left behind.
Looking Ahead
Officials confirmed that the data from this drive will be continuously monitored and updated to maintain accuracy and service efficiency, with a focus on expanding benefits further in underserved regions.
