Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has instructed officials to develop comprehensive plans for the implementation of women and child welfare schemes, emphasizing a results-oriented approach.
During a review meeting focused on women and child welfare, Mr. Naidu set an ambitious target for achieving measurable outcomes within a year.
He inquired about the progress of several key schemes initiated by the TDP government in 2014, including ‘Balamritam,’ ‘Amrita Hastm,’ ‘Gorumuddha,’ and ‘Bala Sanjeevani.’
Officials reported that 55,607 Anganwadi centres are currently operational in the state, comprising 48,770 main centres and 6,837 mini centres. Among these, approximately 8,311 centres are situated in tribal areas.
During its previous term from 2014-19, the TDP government aimed to construct 12,496 Anganwadi centres, with work on 6,119 centres completed by 2019 and an additional 2,800 under various stages of construction.
However, the past five years have seen a decline in the focus on building new Anganwadi centres. While the previous government approved 2,048 new centres, only 18 were completed, with significant delays in upgrading existing facilities. Reports indicated that 14,597 centres lack proper toilet facilities, and 8,455 centres do not have electricity, as noted by officials.
In response, Mr. Naidu urged his team to effectively utilize both Central and State government funding to enhance infrastructure at Anganwadi centres and to prioritize the opening of women’s hostels across the state.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of innovative strategies to achieve optimal results, stating that simply implementing schemes is insufficient without tangible targets. He called for a comprehensive overhaul of the department to meet the objectives.
Women and Child Welfare Minister Gummadi Sandhya Rani and key officials were in attendance during this pivotal meeting.
