Gandhinagar, Feb 26 (NationPress) The government of Gujarat has committed a significant sum of Rs 7,690 crore to enhance the Women and Child Development sector as part of the state Budget. This initiative aims to bolster nutrition programs, extend the infrastructure of anganwadi centers, and implement technology-driven monitoring systems.

This funding is part of efforts to advance Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Suposhit Bharat', under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

While discussing the funding in Gandhinagar, Women and Child Welfare Minister Dr Manishaben Vakil emphasized that the Budget demonstrates the government's dedication to enhancing the nutritional and developmental conditions of women and children.

“To further propel the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Suposhit Bharat’, we have allocated Rs 7,690 crore for the welfare of women and children,” stated Dr Vakil.

She mentioned that Rs 360 crore is designated for the establishment of 2,000 new anganwadi centers across the state to reinforce infrastructure.

“The new anganwadi centers will be designed with child-friendly concepts, featuring modular furniture, RO machines, LED screens, and amenities like rainwater harvesting,” she added.

In tribal areas, the government plans to broaden the Doodh Sanjeevani Yojana to include 53 components.

Dr Vakil highlighted that Rs 38.64 crore has been allocated to enhance the fat content in milk under this scheme from 1.5 percent to 3 percent. “As part of a pilot initiative in Narmada, Dahod, and Dang, the fat content will be raised to 4.5 percent,” she noted.

To combat underweight issues among children, Rs 16 crore has been set aside for Poshan Sangam programs.

“These initiatives will encompass regular health check-ups and home visits aimed at improving the health of underweight children,” the minister explained.

Additionally, Dr Vakil announced the creation of a Poshan Progress and Monitoring Centre to facilitate intensive monitoring of anganwadi centers and nutrition standards.

An artificial intelligence-based image processing system has also been developed to track attendance and monitor children at anganwadis.

“This AI-driven attendance system will enhance transparency and enable real-time monitoring,” she remarked.

To prevent the diversion of rations and ensure digital tracking, QR codes will be incorporated on packaging under the Supplementary Nutrition Programme–Take Home Ration (THR).

“The QR code initiative will assist in curbing ration theft and guarantee that benefits reach the rightful recipients,” concluded Dr Vakil.

The Budget also allocates Rs 1.03 crore for the Balika Panchayat Yojana, which focuses on fostering leadership skills among adolescent girls and raising awareness about Panchayati Raj institutions and child rights.

“Outstanding Balika Panchayats will be recognized at the taluka, district, and state levels,” she added.