Kumar Bahukhandi
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai feeds nutritious food to a child during a child nutrition and welfare programme, highlighting the state’s commitment to improving child health and combating malnutrition.-Photo Credit-channel24india.com via CG/PR
State reports decline in child malnutrition, expands Anganwadi network and intensifies child protection initiatives under integrated welfare programmes
Key Factors
- Chhattisgarh secures first position nationally during Poshan Pakhwada.
- More than 11,490 Anganwadi centres being upgraded with modern learning and nutrition facilities.
- State records a significant decline in child malnutrition indicators, according to official data.
- Mission Vatsalya expands child protection services, adoption and sponsorship programmes.
- Government steps up campaign against child marriage with increased administrative intervention.
Raipur: Chhattisgarh has made significant progress in child nutrition, early childhood development and child protection, with the state securing the top national ranking during Poshan Pakhwada while expanding Anganwadi infrastructure, strengthening child welfare services and intensifying efforts to eliminate child marriage.
According to the Women and Child Development Department, the initiatives undertaken under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Poshan Abhiyaan, Mission Vatsalya and the Child Marriage-Free Chhattisgarh Campaign have substantially improved service delivery across the state. The government attributes these achievements to sustained policy interventions and community participation aimed at ensuring that every child receives better nutrition, education, protection and opportunities for holistic development.
Modern Anganwadis Transforming Early Childhood Learning
One of the major areas of focus has been the modernisation of Anganwadi centres. The state is upgrading 11,490 Anganwadi centres with child-friendly learning environments featuring Building as Learning Aid (BaLA) paintings, nutrition gardens and activity-based educational facilities. These improvements are designed to make early childhood education more engaging while supporting the physical and cognitive development of children.
Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Rajwade feeds nutritious food to a child during a child nutrition awareness programme organised as part of the state’s child welfare initiatives.-Photo Credit-channel24india.com via CG/PR
Infrastructure expansion has also gained momentum. Under the convergence of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), approval has been granted for the construction of 2,337 new Anganwadi buildings. In addition, 191 new Anganwadi centres have already become operational under the PM JANMAN Scheme, extending services to remote and vulnerable communities.
The department further stated that under the Niyad Nella Nar 2.0 initiative, 12,964 Anganwadi centres across ten districts are delivering nutrition, healthcare and preschool education services to children and mothers.
Strengthening the Frontline Workforce
The government has also expanded its frontline workforce to improve the quality and reach of child development services.
The number of Anganwadi workers has increased from 51,045 to 52,258, while the number of Anganwadi helpers has risen from 44,826 to 51,548. Officials say the additional workforce has strengthened service delivery, particularly in rural and tribal areas.
Steady Progress Against Child Malnutrition
Reducing child malnutrition remains one of the state’s key priorities. According to data generated through the Poshan Tracker App, Chhattisgarh has recorded measurable improvements across several nutrition indicators for children aged up to five years.
Official figures indicate a 7.82 per cent reduction in stunting, 4.36 per cent decline in wasting, and 2.76 per cent decrease in underweight children during the review period.
The prevalence of stunting has reportedly declined from 30.27 per cent in December 2023 to 22.45 per cent by June 2026, a development the department attributes to improved nutritional management, regular monitoring, community participation and strengthened Anganwadi-based services.
National Recognition for Poshan Initiatives
Chhattisgarh’s nutrition initiatives have also received national recognition.
The state secured first place in the country for Anganwadi-based activities during the 2024-25 Poshan Abhiyaan, and retained the top position during the April 2025 Poshan Pakhwada campaign.
According to official data, nearly 71,887 activities were organised during Poshan Maah 2025, while more than 34.93 lakh activities were conducted during Poshan Pakhwada 2026 to promote awareness about nutrition, maternal health and child care.
The government has also initiated measures to establish Ready-to-Eat (RTE) production units at the local level to ensure a sustainable supply of nutritious food for beneficiaries.
Mission Vatsalya Expands Child Protection Services
The state has simultaneously strengthened child protection mechanisms through Mission Vatsalya, aimed at supporting orphaned, abandoned and children requiring special care and protection.
The number of Child Care Institutions has increased to 109, while the Mukhyamantri Bal Uday Yojana continues to provide education, rehabilitation and care to vulnerable children.
The Child Helpline has responded to 1,65,979 calls, enabling authorities to intervene in thousands of cases involving children requiring immediate assistance.
Official figures also indicate significant improvements in adoption and sponsorship programmes. The number of children benefiting through adoption has increased from 42 to 234, while beneficiaries under sponsorship schemes have risen from 767 to 2,037, reflecting greater institutional support for children in need.
Campaign Against Child Marriage Gains Momentum
The government’s Child Marriage-Free Chhattisgarh Campaign has intensified awareness and enforcement efforts across the state.
The number of Child Marriage Prohibition Officers has increased to 1,382, enabling closer monitoring at the district and block levels.
As a result, the number of child marriages prevented has reportedly increased from 109 to 888, highlighting stronger administrative intervention and growing public awareness about protecting the rights, education and future of adolescent girls.
Building the Foundation for a Stronger Future
The Women and Child Development Department said the state’s integrated approach—combining nutrition, healthcare, education, child protection and community participation—is helping create a stronger foundation for children’s overall development.
Officials said continued investments in modern Anganwadi infrastructure, nutrition programmes, Mission Vatsalya and child protection initiatives are expected to further improve outcomes while ensuring that children across Chhattisgarh receive equal opportunities for healthy growth and development.
Background
The Women and Child Development Department implements several flagship programmes, including ICDS, Poshan Abhiyaan, Mission Vatsalya and child protection initiatives, aimed at improving nutrition, early childhood education and the welfare of women and children. These programmes form a key component of the state’s social development strategy, particularly in rural and tribal regions.
Our Insight
The significance of this initiative lies not only in infrastructure expansion but also in measurable outcomes. While official figures indicate encouraging progress in reducing malnutrition and strengthening child welfare services, the long-term success of these programmes will depend on sustained implementation, regular monitoring and continued community participation. The challenge ahead will be to maintain these gains while ensuring that the benefits reach every child, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
