Govt committed to ensuring nourished, safe, and bright future for every child: Vishnu Deo Sai
WCD and Health Departments must work in coordination for holistic child development: CM
Women and child-centric schemes to undergo detailed review in upcoming Collector Conference
Quality implementation of all schemes related to children should be ensured: CM Sai
Collectors instructed to conduct regular district-level reviews of WCD programmes
Raipur, 23 July 2025:
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai has reaffirmed that the state government is fully committed to ensuring proper nutrition and a secure, bright future for every child. For the comprehensive development of children, the Women and Child Development (WCD) Department and the Health Department must work in close coordination, he said.
Chairing a high-level review at Mahanadi Bhavan today, the Chief Minister evaluated the progress and implementation of various WCD schemes and issued crucial directions to officials. He stressed that schemes focused on women and children should be monitored district-wise at the secretary level and will be thoroughly reviewed in the upcoming Collector Conference.
CM Sai reviewed the WCD department’s infrastructure, budget, and the implementation of ongoing schemes. He noted that the department plays a crucial role in ensuring the nutrition and safety of children, adolescent girls, and women. “The care and nutrition given to young children, if handled with sensitivity and skill, will significantly strengthen their physical and mental development,” he emphasised.
He asserted that children form the foundation of the nation’s future, and this foundation must be strengthened through the collective participation of all stakeholders. He urged departmental staff to work actively and with intrinsic motivation at the grassroots level, ensuring that every child in the state receives supplementary nutrition and the full benefits of the schemes.
The CM held a detailed discussion on nutrition distribution at Anganwadi centres, including aspects such as quantity, quality, hot meals, and adherence to caloric standards. He underlined the need for continuous monitoring of the distribution process to ensure quality and effectiveness.
He also reviewed the functioning of 197 Anganwadi centres operating under the PM-JANMAN scheme and directed officials to work with heightened sensitivity and commitment towards the holistic development of children from Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
CM Sai examined key indicators related to child nutrition and called for concrete efforts to bring about necessary improvements. “Indicators allow us to assess the actual situation, and wherever gaps are found, swift corrective measures must be taken,” he instructed.
He expressed satisfaction over the progress in the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and directed that the positive momentum be sustained. Emphasising the psychological development of children, the CM noted that even small actions and behaviour patterns can leave a lasting impact. He urged Anganwadi workers to build emotional connections with children through sensitivity and empathy.
He further instructed that regular training be provided to departmental personnel to ensure technical proficiency and a research-driven, outcome-oriented approach to programme implementation.
During the meeting, schemes such as the Child Marriage-Free Chhattisgarh Campaign, Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana, Sakhi One Stop Centre, Shakti Sadan, Women and Child Helpline, Mahila Kosh, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and Mission Vatsalya were also reviewed.
Present at the meeting were Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade, Chief Secretary Shri Amitabh Jain, Principal Secretary to the CM Shri Subodh Kumar Singh, Secretaries to CM Shri P. Dayanand and Shri Rahul Bhagat, WCD Secretary Smt. Shammi Abidi, Director Shri P. S. Elma, and other senior officers and staff of the department.
