Modern Anganwadis, Declining Malnutrition and Expanded Child Welfare Programmes Mark New Milestones in Building an Empowered Childhood
TFP Bureau, Raipur, August 5, 2026: Chhattisgarh has emerged as a national leader in child development, securing the top position in the country’s Poshan Pakhwada campaign while significantly expanding initiatives aimed at improving child nutrition, protection, education and overall well-being. The achievements reflect the state’s sustained efforts under flagship programmes including the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Mission Vatsalya, Poshan Abhiyaan and the Child Marriage-Free Chhattisgarh campaign.
According to the Women and Child Development Department, the government has prioritised children’s welfare under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Lakshmi Rajwade, with a focus on creating a healthier, safer and more inclusive environment for children across the state.
Anganwadi Centres Upgraded into Modern Learning Spaces
The state is rapidly transforming 11,490 Anganwadi centres into modern child development hubs equipped with Building as Learning Aid (BaLA) paintings, Poshan Vatikas (nutrition gardens) and activity-based learning facilities to provide children with a stimulating and child-friendly environment.
Approval has also been granted for the construction of 2,337 new Anganwadi buildings through convergence with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA), while 191 new centres have become operational under the PM-JANMAN initiative. Under the Niyad Nella Nar 2.0 programme, 12,964 Anganwadi centres are currently delivering services across 10 districts.
The state has also strengthened its workforce, increasing the number of Anganwadi workers from 51,045 to 52,258 and Anganwadi helpers from 44,826 to 51,548, improving both the reach and quality of child development services.
Significant Decline in Malnutrition
Official data from the Poshan Tracker indicates a steady decline in child malnutrition across Chhattisgarh.
Between December 2023 and June 2026, the prevalence of stunting among children aged 0–5 years declined from 30.27 percent to 22.45 percent, representing a reduction of 7.82 percentage points. Weight-related nutritional deficiencies fell by 4.36 percentage points, while underweight cases declined by 2.76 percentage points.
Officials attributed the improvement to effective nutrition management, regular monitoring, community participation and strengthened Anganwadi-based services.
Chhattisgarh Leads National Nutrition Campaign
The state recorded outstanding performance during both Rashtriya Poshan Maah and Poshan Pakhwada.
In the 2024-25 financial year, Chhattisgarh ranked first in the country in terms of activities conducted per Anganwadi centre. It also secured the top national position during Poshan Pakhwada held in April 2025.
During Poshan Maah in September-October 2025, over 71,800 awareness and nutrition-related activities were organised across the state. This was followed by nearly 3.5 million activities during Poshan Pakhwada in April 2026. The government has also initiated the establishment of Ready-to-Eat production units to improve the local availability of nutritious food.
Mission Vatsalya Expands Child Protection Services
Mission Vatsalya continues to strengthen care and rehabilitation services for orphaned, abandoned and vulnerable children.
The number of Child Care Institutions in the state has increased to 109, while hundreds of children have benefited under the Mukhyamantri Bal Uday Yojana. Authorities also responded to 165,979 calls received through the Child Helpline, providing timely intervention and support.
The number of children benefiting from adoption increased from 42 to 234, while sponsorship beneficiaries rose from 767 to 2,037, reflecting expanded outreach and rehabilitation efforts.
Child Marriage Prevention Gains Momentum
The state’s Child Marriage-Free Chhattisgarh campaign has also reported significant progress.
The number of Child Marriage Prohibition Officers has increased to 1,382, contributing to a sharp rise in the number of child marriages prevented—from 109 cases earlier to 888. Officials said the campaign has strengthened public awareness while reinforcing efforts to safeguard the education, health and rights of adolescent girls.
Building a Strong Foundation for the Future
Officials said the combined impact of modernised Anganwadi centres, improved nutrition outcomes, expanded child protection services and proactive measures against child marriage has positioned Chhattisgarh as a leading model in child welfare and development.
The state government reiterated its commitment to strengthening these initiatives further, emphasising that investing in children’s health, education and protection remains central to building a prosperous and developed Chhattisgarh.
