Two lakh Anganwadi Centres have been approved to be upgraded as Saksham Anganwadis for delivery of improved nutrition and for ECCE activities

Why in news

Two lakh Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) have been approved to be upgraded as Saksham Anganwadis for delivery of improved nutrition and for Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) activities under Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0.

Exam relevance

GS2, GS3 · Society, Governance, Economy · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 subsumes Anganwadi services, Poshan Abhiyaan, and Scheme for Adolescent girls.
2. It is a Centrally Sponsored Mission implemented in all States and UTs, including high burden districts.
3. Two lakh Anganwadi Centres have been approved for upgrade as Saksham Anganwadis.
4. Saksham Anganwadis are equipped with better infrastructure such as LED screens, water filtration system, Poshan Vatika, Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) material, and Building as Learning Aid (BaLA) paintings.
5. Supplementary Nutrition is provided to Children (6 months to 6 years), Pregnant Women, Lactating Mothers and Adolescent Girls.
6. Nutrition norms for Supplementary Nutrition are in accordance with Schedule-II of the National Food Security Act, 2013, and were revised in January 2023.

Prelims pointers

• Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 is a Centrally Sponsored Mission.
• It integrates Anganwadi services, Poshan Abhiyaan, and Scheme for Adolescent girls.
• Beneficiaries include children under 6, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and adolescent girls (14-18 years in specific regions).
• Saksham Anganwadis are equipped with LED screens, water filtration, Poshan Vatika, ECCE material, and BaLA paintings.
• Supplementary Nutrition norms are based on Schedule-II of the National Food Security Act, 2013.

Mains practice question

Critically analyze the significance of Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 in addressing the multi-dimensional challenges of malnutrition and promoting early childhood development in India. What are its key features and how does it aim to achieve its objectives?

Static linkage

The Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 integrates previous initiatives like Anganwadi services and Poshan Abhiyaan. Its supplementary nutrition component is linked to the National Food Security Act, 2013, which aims to provide food and nutritional security.

Significance

The upgrade of Anganwadi Centres into Saksham Anganwadis signifies a comprehensive approach to address malnutrition and promote holistic child development. By integrating various schemes and enhancing infrastructure, the mission aims to improve nutritional outcomes, facilitate early childhood care and education, and empower adolescent girls, thereby contributing to human capital development and achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being.