Annpurna Devi Reviews Women and Child Development Programmes in SPNIWCD Indore

Smt. Annpurna Devi said the Ministry continues to work towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 through key initiatives such as Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0, Mission Shakti and Mission Vatsalya.

Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smt. Annpurna Devi reviewed the activities and training programmes of the Savitribai Phule National Institute of Women and Child Development (SPNIWCD), Western Regional Centre, in Indore on Monday. Minister of State Smt. Savitri Thakur was also present during the review meeting attended by senior ministry officials, institute representatives, and public leaders.

The visit began with a plantation drive under the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign inspired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Following the Panchvati tradition, five saplings—Banyan, Peepal, Bael, Ashoka and Amla—were planted within the institute campus by the ministers and other dignitaries.

Focus on Training, Research and Child Development

During the review, the Union Minister examined the institute's ongoing activities and upcoming training calendar. A detailed presentation was delivered by Shri Valeti Premchand, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Women and Child Development and Director of SPNIWCD, highlighting training programmes, research initiatives and the work being carried out by the Child Guidance Centre.

Officials informed the Minister that the Advanced Diploma in Child Guidance and Counselling (ADCGC), being launched in collaboration with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University of Social Sciences, will begin in July 2026. The programme has received recognition from the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), adding to its professional value.

Smt. Annpurna Devi said the Ministry continues to work towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 through key initiatives such as Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0, Mission Shakti and Mission Vatsalya. She noted that these programmes are contributing to the empowerment, protection and overall development of women and children across the country.

Minister Calls for Grassroots Feedback

The Union Minister stressed the importance of collecting regular feedback from participants attending training programmes from different states and districts. She said such inputs can help measure the effectiveness of schemes at the grassroots level while also identifying challenges faced during implementation.

According to her, insights gathered from trainees can play a valuable role in improving government programmes and making them more responsive to the needs of beneficiaries. She also underlined the growing need for psychosocial counselling services in schools and communities, saying the ADCGC programme would help create trained professionals capable of supporting children's mental and emotional well-being.

The Minister further called for wider awareness about the services offered through the Child Guidance Centre so that more families and children can benefit from its support.

Interaction With Anganwadi and Women Support Workers

During the visit, Smt. Annpurna Devi and Smt. Savitri Thakur interacted with participants attending the "Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi" State Level Master Trainers training programme from Maharashtra. The Union Minister praised the efforts of Champion Anganwadi Workers taking part in the initiative.

She also met trainees from Sakhi One Stop Centres representing Gujarat, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. Discussions focused on issues related to violence against women and the support services available through these centres. Encouraging the participants, she urged them to apply the knowledge gained during training to strengthen implementation of welfare schemes at the grassroots level.

Concluding the visit, the Union Minister appreciated the dedication of the institute's officers, faculty members and staff, expressing confidence that SPNIWCD would continue to play a significant role in advancing women and child development initiatives across the country.