Lucknow, March 30 (NationPress) Uttar Pradesh's Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath revealed on Monday that the state aims to recruit over 5,000 Anganwadi workers and more than 60,000 helpers this year, with the recruitment process already underway.

During an event at Lok Bhawan, where he inaugurated several Anganwadi initiatives, the Chief Minister mentioned that measures are being implemented to enhance social security for frontline workers involved in childcare.

He stated that Anganwadi workers and helpers will now be beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana.

Moreover, over 300,000 workers and helpers will receive health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh annually through the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

In a strong critique of the pre-2017 administration, the Chief Minister accused it of allowing a “liquor mafia” to control the distribution of nutritional supplements, resulting in significant misallocation of benefits intended for malnourished children and mothers.

“The current administration has overhauled this flawed system, ensuring transparency. Appointments are now made solely on merit, free from recommendations. Nutrition and child development initiatives are also being digitized using smartphones and advanced growth-monitoring tools,” he emphasized.

He highlighted that the previous absence of smartphones hampered real-time data collection, which negatively impacted the state’s performance rankings. Following a successful pilot in Lucknow, smartphones will be distributed to Anganwadi workers across all districts.

Addressing policy innovations, he stated that Anganwadi centers are pivotal in executing the National Education Policy, offering pre-primary classes for children aged 3-5 years.

Additionally, he announced the integration of 27,000 centres previously under the Basic Education Department into the Anganwadi framework.

Referring to the significance of Anganwadi workers, he noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has referred to them as “Yashoda Maiya,” highlighting their vital role in the nurturing of young children.

He asserted that ensuring proper nutrition for infants and maternal health is imperative for the nation's future, acknowledging Anganwadi workers and helpers as essential players in combating malnutrition.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister disclosed plans to construct new Anganwadi centres at a budget of ₹137 crore, while also inaugurating projects valued at ₹313 crore, including Anganwadi centres and Child Development Project offices.

Recalling their crucial role during the Covid pandemic, he praised Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, and ANMs for their efforts as frontline workers, providing vital health services and executing the Centre’s initiatives at the grassroots level.