Assam continuously moving ahead on path of progress: Union Minister

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 1, 2024

Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, highlighted Assam’s progress and the government’s commitment to early childhood development during the “Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi” programme held in Guwahati on Sunday.

Organized by the Assam Women and Child Development Department, the event also witnessed the distribution of certificates to state-level master trainers.

Devi highlighted the ministry’s commitment for early childhood development through the “Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi” programme, which focuses on quality education for children aged 3–6 years.

She noted that 21,772 master trainers from 35 states and 42,308 Anganwadi workers from 20 states, including 1,600 master trainers from Assam, have been trained under this initiative.

Reflecting on the region’s progress, the Minister lauded the Northeast’s multidimensional development over the past decade under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She emphasized significant achievements in areas such as peace restoration, infrastructure development and enhanced connectivity through railways, roads, and airways, as well as advancements in education and health.

Highlighting women’s empowerment, Devi shared that through the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) nearly 10 crore women, including 43 lakh from Assam, have achieved self-reliance. She also underlined the ministry’s dedication to combating malnutrition through initiatives like Poshan Pakhwada and Poshan Maah, with Assam contributing to over 30 lakh campaign activities promoting healthy lifestyles for women and children.

Talking about the development in Assam the Minister noted that 36 One-Stop Centres in the state have supported around 21,000 women. She also informed that under the 2024–25 budget, Anganwadi workers and assistants have been included in the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana providing an annual health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family. Over 60,000 Anganwadi workers and helpers in Assam now have Ayushman cards, ensuring better healthcare access.

Referring to the state’s commitment to Women and Children Annapurna Devi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the lives of women and children in Assam. She appreciated the collaborative efforts between the central government and the people of Assam to deliver quality healthcare, security and opportunities for all.

Speaking on the occasion, Assam Minister for Women and Child Development Ajanta Neog emphasized the importance of women’s and children’s development for the state’s overall progress. She commended the WCD Department’s dedication to implementing central government schemes effectively.