Chandigarh 19 June 2025 : Punjab’s Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur has announced a significant move regarding the state’s Anganwadi centers. This step highlights the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government’s commitment to the welfare of women, children, and the elderly.
Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that the development of any society depends on the social security, health, and education of its weaker sections, especially women and the elderly. She has issued clear instructions to ensure that the benefits of welfare schemes are delivered transparently and on time to the deserving.
During a departmental review meeting held at Kisan Bhawan, key discussions included:
- Functioning of Anganwadi centers
- Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)
- Child begging eradication drive under Mission Vatsalya
- Progress on the Poshan Tracker
- Implementation of Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana
- The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign
- Recruitment of Anganwadi workers and helpers
- Construction of Anganwadi buildings and toilets under MGNREGA
She directed that the pending construction of Anganwadi centers and toilets be completed quickly. District officers were instructed to monitor centers daily and take immediate action against any center not operating regularly. The implementation of the Poshan Tracker and upgrading of centers must also be accelerated.
The minister asked officials to lead the child begging rehabilitation drive under Mission Vatsalya personally and reviewed the functioning of Specialized Adoption Agencies, seeking a detailed report of adoptions from the past three years.
Additionally, Dr. Kaur instructed the department to appreciate well-performing officers with certificates of recognition while warning that disciplinary action will be taken against those with unsatisfactory performance to ensure proper execution of government programs.
She reiterated the government’s dedication to women’s empowerment, care for the elderly, and child development as essential steps toward building a strong and prosperous Punjab.
Senior officials including Special Chief Secretary Rajiv P. Srivastava, Director Dr. Sheena Aggarwal, Special Secretary Keshav Hingonia, Additional Secretary Vimmi Bhullar, and Joint Secretary Anand Sagar Sharma were present during the meeting.
Summary: Punjab’s government mandates daily oversight of Anganwadi centres, their FSSAI food safety registration, accelerates Poshan Tracker app rollout, and presses for expedited infrastructure upgrades.