Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday announced a major relief for over 3.10 lakh Anganwadi workers, stating that their honorarium will be increased soon. He said that as Anganwadi centres are becoming “smart,” the salaries of workers should also be upgraded accordingly.
The Chief Minister has directed officials to prepare a proposal, adding that a formal announcement will be made at a grand event soon.
Smartphones Distributed to Strengthen Digital Monitoring
At a program held at Lok Bhavan in Lucknow, the CM launched the distribution of smartphones to 69,804 Anganwadi workers and supervisors.
He also distributed over 2 lakh growth monitoring devices, including:
- Stadiometers
- Infantometers
- Weighing scales
These tools will help in real-time tracking of children’s health and nutrition, ensuring better implementation of government schemes.
Appointment Letters and Infrastructure Boost
During the event, 18,440 newly selected Anganwadi workers and helpers were given appointment letters.
The government also announced major infrastructure development:
- 3,170 new Anganwadi centres worth ₹450 crore inaugurated and announced
- Foundation laid for 140 Child Development Project offices
- Additional 71 project offices also approved
Smart Anganwadi Initiative Gets Momentum
CM Yogi said the government will invest ₹137 crore to develop smart Anganwadi centres across the state.
With digital tools, workers will be able to:
- Upload data in real time
- Improve nutrition monitoring
- Ensure transparency in welfare schemes
He stressed that lack of timely data upload earlier affected rankings, making smartphones essential for all workers.
Anganwadi Workers Called “Nation Builders”
Praising their contribution, the Chief Minister described Anganwadi workers as key pillars of society, comparing their role in child upbringing to that of Yashoda Mata.
He also acknowledged their role as frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping deliver services at the grassroots level.
Focus on Malnutrition-Free Uttar Pradesh
The Chief Minister emphasized that Anganwadi workers are central to the fight against malnutrition. With better tools and monitoring systems, Uttar Pradesh aims to move towards a malnutrition-free state.
He added that since 2017, improvements in governance have strengthened nutrition programs and improved the state’s performance in child welfare.
