LUCKNOW, Feb 28 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said that the number of Anganwadi centres in the state has doubled over the past seven years.
Handing over appointment letters to 3,077 newly selected Anganwadi workers in a programme organised as a part of Mission Rozgar at Lok Bhawan, the CM emphasised the pivotal role of Anganwadi workers in reducing maternal and child mortality rates over the past seven years.
Highlighting data from the National Family Health Survey, he noted a considerable decline in maternal and infant mortality rates. “The maternal mortality rate in the state was 285 per lakh in 2014, which has come down to 167 whereas the infant mortality rate, which was 48,000 per lakh in 2014, has reduced to 38 thousand,” he said.
Yogi laid the foundation stone for 1,459 new Anganwadi centre buildings across 31 districts being built at a cost of Rs 173 crore. “Today, the double-engine government is providing hot-cooked meals to children through women’s self-help groups and Anganwadi workers,” he said.
Praising the dedication of Anganwadi workers, ANMs and Asha workers during the global pandemic, he said, “These field workers were tasked with screening the Covid-infected people as well as providing them medicines. This proactive approach significantly contributed to the state’s success in containing the spread of the virus.”
The CM said, “Today, there are no deaths due to encephalitis in the state, a testament to the diligent efforts of our field workers. Their exemplary work has become a benchmark for the nation.”
He said that Anganwadi workers are like ‘Maa Yashoda’. “Just as Maa Yashoda cared for Lord Shri Krishna, Anganwadi workers are tirelessly caring for thousands of children across every Anganwadi centre in the state,” he said.
Reflecting on the transformative journey of UP, Yogi emphasised that despite the same departments and people, the state has undergone remarkable changes over the past seven years, with significant advancements witnessed across various fields, evident to all.
He said, “The double engine government is developing quality recipe centers at every block level through Anganwadi centres and women self-help groups within the state. In the first phase, 204 such centers will be developed. This will provide employment to thousands of people. Moreover, this initiative will ensure the availability of nutritious and high-quality food in UP, marking a significant stride towards improving nutritional standards in the state.”
He underscored the crucial role of Anganwadi workers in realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ emphasising that their efforts are vital for maintaining healthy childhoods. “A healthy childhood paves the way for healthy youth, enabling society to fully harness its talent and potential,” he said. (UNI)
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