In Varanasi, the governor of Uttar Pradesh, Anandiben Patel, visited the city on Monday to kick‑off a new kit distribution for Anganwadi centres. The ceremony took place at the Commissioner Auditorium and highlighted the state’s ongoing push to improve women’s and children’s health and education.
Patel spoke directly to the community, reminding people that programs that started in 1998 are still working hard to support women, girls, and expectant mothers. She urged checks on pregnant women’s haemoglobin levels, better nutrition, and the Garbha Sanskar program, which tracks a baby’s growth from the first to the ninth month. Her message also included a call for more awareness about social abuse and the importance of keeping a watchful eye on children.
Health updates were a key part of the agenda. The governor announced a new HPV vaccine that protects women up to 26 years old – a critical step, given that Uttar Pradesh accounts for half of India’s cancer cases. She also praised efforts to provide daily nutrition, suggesting that children receive gram and jaggery as part of their meals.
The event was a showcase for several new initiatives. Over 150 new Anganwadi centres received comprehensive kits, and a new e‑Sathi platform was launched to simplify service access. MoUs were signed between ICDS and Water Aid India to upgrade Anganwadi infrastructure, between ICDS and Feeding India for urban lunchtime meals, and between DC NRLM and the Atal Incubation Centre at BHU. The ceremony also unveiled a coding program in schools, the Nivesh Sakhi initiative, and a new dialysis unit at Chowkaghat and Durgakund health centres.
Highlights included certificates for girls who received the HPV vaccine and a record‑setting breast‑cancer screening program that served 112,000 participants in September. Mentoring by Chief Development Officer Himanshu Nagpal also received praise for driving these successes.
City Mayor Ashok Tiwari said the governor’s leadership is “inspiring” and that “continuous efforts are being made to improve Anganwadi centres” and to ensure nutrition and vaccination for pregnant women and newborns.
Overall, the ceremony underscored Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to advancing women’s health, child development, and digital skills – all aimed at building safer, healthier communities in Varanasi and beyond.
Source: aninews
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