On August 10, 2024, Smt. Annapurna Devi, the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, presided over her first national-level video conference with the Ministers of Women and Child Development/Social Welfare in the States and Administrators/Lieutenants Governors in the Union Territories.
The conference, which was attended by 21 of the 28 State Ministers, was centered on discussing the future plans and program updates for the key initiatives under the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Smt. Annpurna Devi underlined at the conference how crucial it is for both the federal and state governments to work together to make sure that the advantages of these initiatives trickle down to the grassroot level. She emphasized in particular the Ministry's main initiatives, Mission Vatsalya, Mission Shakti, Saksham Anganwadi, and Poshan 2.0.
Smt. Annapurna Devi stated, “Our aim is to ensure that the benefits of our efforts reach the grassroots level, for which it is imperative to work closely with the States. This will not only lead to the development of the States but will also contribute to the overall progress of our country, which is in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’.”
Smt. Annapurna Devi strongly recommended that in order to improve the execution of these Missions, all State Ministers, Administrators, and Lieutenant Governors work together with the Central Government. In order to ensure the welfare of women and children throughout the nation and to realize the dream of a developed India, she emphasized the importance of such collaboration.
State ministers emphasized the unique initiatives being taken in each state to improve the well-being and empowerment of women and children. They expressed gratitude for the Union Minister's participation and believed it would strengthen the three Missions' ongoing efforts and give them greater momentum for implementation in the States. The Union Minister promised to be in touch with them on a periodic basis.
The Ministry is dedicated to creating an inclusive atmosphere and pursuing policies that enhance the nation's women's and children's welfare and empowerment.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Priyanka Pandey/MSM)