Hyderabad: Anganwadi centres play a crucial role in laying a strong foundation for children’s future by providing early education, nutrition and healthcare services, Women and Child Welfare Minister Dr Danasari Anasuya Seethakka said on Monday.
The minister participated in the “Amma Mata – Anganwadi Bata” programme at Mallepally Centre and Mahatma Gandhi Nagar Anganwadi Centre under the Golconda Project area in Hyderabad district.
Along with Nampally MLA Majid Hussain, she launched a child enrolment drive.
She distributed uniforms to pre-school students and handed over school readiness certificates to children joining primary schools.
Seethakka later joined children in an Aksharabhyasam programme at the Anganwadi centre.
She interacted with them and distributed learning materials and toys.
The minister also reviewed pre-school education activities, nutrition services and the use of teaching-learning materials.
Speaking on the occasion, Seethakka said Anganwadi centres play a key role in building a strong educational foundation during early childhood.
She said the government remains committed to ensuring the holistic development of children.
The centres provide nutrition, pre-school education and healthcare services under one platform, she added.
Anganwadi centres strengthen early childhood education
Furthermore, she directed officials to take special measures to ensure that every eligible child enrols in an Anganwadi centre.
The minister said the Amma Mata – Anganwadi Bata programme aims to connect every family with Anganwadi services.
She also stated that the government is strengthening Anganwadi centres and transforming them into early learning institutions.
Parents should understand the benefits of these services and enrol their children in Anganwadi centres, she said.
Meanwhile, Seethakka noted that the government is developing Anganwadis as the first schools for children rather than merely nutrition centres.
She recalled that Anganwadi children did not receive uniforms in the past.
However, the government now provides two sets of uniforms to every child.
Additionally, she said the government launched the programme to build confidence among parents.
The minister said the breakfast scheme received a positive response in Bhadradri Kothagudem and Adilabad districts, where it began as a pilot project.
Therefore, the government plans to expand it across the state.
She added that the department has introduced 57 types of educational and play materials along with early childhood care programmes.
The government also issues special certificates to children who complete nursery education, she said.
Nutrition, learning and child welfare initiatives
According to Seethakka, nearly nine lakh children are currently enrolled in Anganwadi centres across Telangana.
The government is giving special attention to their health, education and welfare.
Moreover, children receive nutritious food, including breakfast, khichdi and egg biryani.
The department has also trained Anganwadi teachers in English language skills.
The minister said attractive paintings in centres help improve creativity and learning abilities among children.
She added that various activities support brain development and cognitive growth.
Seethakka said Telangana has nearly 38,000 Anganwadi centres.
The government has also sanctioned one-and-a-half months of leave for staff members following their request.
She said the department is building a comprehensive system that combines nutrition with education.
Appealing to parents, the minister urged them to enrol their children in Anganwadi centres instead of spending heavily on private nursery schools.
She said Anganwadi teachers possess the skills needed to provide a strong educational foundation for children.
After the programme, Seethakka flagged off an awareness rally.
Participants raised slogans promoting the importance of Anganwadi education and early childhood development.
She said the state government was giving top priority to quality early childhood education, nutrition and child welfare.
Principal Secretary Anita Ramachandran, Director Shruti Ojha, Hyderabad Collector Priyanka Ala, Joint Director Moti, CDPO Renuka, department officials, supervisors, Anganwadi teachers, helpers and beneficiaries attended the programme.
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