Patna: The Bihar government has announced that 18,000 new Anganwadi centres will be opened across the state to strengthen services for children and mothers. The social welfare minister, Madan Sahni, made the announcement while speaking in the legislative council in Patna. He said the move is aimed at improving nutrition levels among children and providing better health and support services to pregnant and lactating women. According to the minister, several areas in the state still do not have enough Anganwadi centres, and this expansion will help fill that gap.
Sahni said a detailed proposal has already been prepared and sent to the central government for approval. The new centres will be opened once permission is granted. He added that the state government has given priority to this scheme and has instructed concerned departments to begin preliminary preparations. After approval, the centres will be opened in phases so that the process can be managed smoothly and effectively.
Anganwadi centres are important for early childhood care and development. They provide nutritious food to children, basic pre-school education and regular health check-ups. Pregnant and breastfeeding women also receive nutritional supplements, medical guidance and support. The government believes that opening more centres will directly benefit families living in remote and underdeveloped areas. Officials say the move will help reduce malnutrition and improve overall child development indicators in the state.
The minister also spoke about infrastructure and staffing. He said new buildings will be constructed wherever possible, and in some places centres may run from rented buildings. Health workers and assistants will be appointed to manage the new centres. Training programmes and monitoring systems will also be strengthened to maintain quality services. The government says it does not want to compromise on standards while expanding the network.
The announcement has been welcomed by many, including opposition leaders, although some have asked the government to ensure that the plan is implemented on time. The state government maintains that the welfare of children and women is a top priority and says it will closely monitor the progress of the scheme in the coming months.
