Ensure smooth functioning of anganwadi centres: Mandi SDM

A quarterly block-level monitoring committee meeting was held in Gohar, Mandi district, under the chairmanship of SDM Laxman Kanet to review women and child development schemes and address issues related to anganwadi infrastructure.

Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) BL Chauhan detailed the implementation of various government schemes, while SDM Kanet highlighted significant programmes aimed at empowering women, children and vulnerable groups. These include the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) project, Chief Minister’s Sukh Ashraya Yojana, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme, Poshan Abhiyan and Chief Minister’s Shagun Yojana, among others.

The meeting discussed the operational status of 232 anganwadi centres across 10 supervisory circles in 47 panchayats of the Gohar block, which serve a population of nearly 79,686. The SDM emphasised the need for smooth functioning of these centres and directed officials to expedite construction and repair work to ensure essential facilities like clean water and electricity are available.

Under the Chief Minister’s Sukh Ashraya Yojana, support is being provided to 36 eligible children in Gohar block, including access to education, skill training and financial assistance for self-employment and housing.

The ICDS programme focuses on improving the nutritional and health status of children aged 0-6 years while providing health and nutrition education to women aged 15-45 years.

SDM Kanet instructed the Women and Child Development Department to raise awareness about domestic violence, drug addiction and the impacts of early marriage. Efforts will include sessions in schools and colleges under the “Apna Vidyalaya” initiative.

Officials also deliberated on the challenges in anganwadi infrastructure, such as maintenance and provision of basic amenities, urging departments concerned to expedite pending tasks.

The meeting was attended by Block Development Officer Bashir Khan, Subject Matter Expert Munshi Thakur, BEEO Jagat Ram Sharma, SDO Electricity Harish Sharma, and several anganwadi supervisors and department staff.