By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi
Speaker Vijender Gupta says empowering frontline women workers is key to strengthening Anganwadis and improving child nutrition
NEW DELHI: Delhi Legislative Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta has called for greater empowerment of Anganwadi workers, stressing that strengthening grassroots nutrition services must begin with supporting the women who deliver them.
Speaking at a programme organised at Aggarwal Dharamshala in Sector 8, Rohini, as part of the 9th Rashtriya Poshan Maah, Gupta distributed bags and essential field kits among Anganwadi workers to facilitate their daily responsibilities and improve grassroots service delivery.
Held under the theme “Hamari Anganwadi, Hamari Jimmedari” (Our Anganwadi, Our Responsibility), the programme highlighted the need to transform Anganwadi Centres into community-owned institutions serving as hubs for nutrition, early childhood development and family welfare.
Addressing the gathering, Gupta said Anganwadi workers were a crucial link between government welfare programmes and the families they were designed to benefit. Their contribution, he noted, must be recognised through practical assistance and adequate resources rather than mere words of appreciation.
He underlined that these frontline workers often serve as the first point of contact for expectant mothers, young children and families requiring nutritional support. The field kits are intended to make their work easier, particularly during household visits, community outreach activities and public awareness campaigns.
The Assembly Speaker also stressed that combating malnutrition required sustained public participation alongside government initiatives. He called for stronger coordination among Anganwadi workers, families and local communities to improve nutritional outcomes.
Highlighting the importance of early childhood nutrition and development, Gupta said these formative years lay the foundation for a healthier and more productive society. He added that providing frontline workers with adequate resources and institutional support was essential to improving the reach and effectiveness of welfare schemes.
The programme reaffirmed the objectives of the Poshan Abhiyaan, with a focus on nutritional awareness, early childhood care and greater community ownership of Anganwadi Centres.
Gupta reiterated that recognising and supporting Anganwadi workers would remain central to translating nutrition initiatives into tangible improvements in the lives of women and children.
