Shot in the arm: City to lead UP with max anganwadi centres

Prayagraj: With the state govt approving establishment of 900 new anganwadi centres in Prayagraj this year, the Sagam city is set to become the district with the maximum number of rural childcare facilities in Uttar Pradesh.
Currently, Prayagraj has 800 functioning anganwadi centres and with this addition the total number will rise to 1,700.
The primary goal of these new centres is to enhance support for pregnant women, lactating mothers and malnourished children. These centres play a crucial role in improving maternal and child health by providing essential nutrition and health-related services. The expansion is expected to greatly strengthen the district's public health infrastructure.
Following the govt's nod, officiating district magistrate and chief development officer (CDO) Gaurav Kumar convened a meeting with officials concerned to discuss the rollout.
"Permission has been received from the govt to open 900 new centres. Block development officers (BDOs) have been instructed to submit proposals identifying suitable locations for the new centres. Prayagraj will be the number one district in the state in terms of anganwadi coverage," Kumar said.
The CDO emphasised the importance of ensuring all necessary arrangements are made at the selected sites so that they can become operational without delay.
In terms of operations, anganwadi centres distribute ration and nutrition supplements to their target groups. These food supplies are produced at local crusher plants in the district, which prepare the nutritional mixes that are then distributed through the centres to children and women in need.