Tripura CM Manik Saha Boosts Nutrition Services with Smartphones for Anganwadi Workers
In a big step towards better nutrition in Tripura, Chief Minister Manik Saha announced that the state has distributed 11,130 smartphones to Anganwadi workers. This move under the Poshan Abhiyaan aims to improve services for adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. The announcement came on Monday in Agartala, highlighting the government’s focus on child nutrition and women’s health.
The Chief Minister explained that these smartphones will come loaded with the Poshan Tracker app. Workers can use it to track daily activities and share real-time updates on nutrition programs. This tech upgrade makes it easier to monitor and enhance services across the state.
Launched nationwide on March 8, 2018, the Poshan Abhiyaan targets quick improvements in the nutritional health of vulnerable groups. It brings together various efforts to fight malnutrition in a smart, results-driven way. In Tripura, this initiative fits perfectly into the bigger picture of building a stronger future.
During the event, Manik Saha inaugurated 14 projects and laid the foundation stone for 5 more under the Social Welfare and Social Education Department. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a Viksit Bharat by 2047. "The PM has urged all states to create their roadmaps, and Tripura has already prepared one to develop a fully advanced state," Saha said. This shows how Tripura’s government is aligning with national goals for development and welfare.
Saha also shared exciting updates on Anganwadi centres. Under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and the North East Special Infrastructure Development scheme, the state has set up 46 new centres. These centres focus on providing essential nutrition, health check-ups, and pre-primary education to children. "Our goal is to give kids a strong start," he added.
The CM highlighted efforts to support young women too. As per the Juvenile Justice Act 2015, the government is building aftercare homes for girls aged 18 to 21. These homes offer food security, education, vocational training, life skills, and mental health support to help them become self-reliant. It’s all about empowering the next generation.
In another positive note, 101 children received rehabilitation grants of Rs 50,000 each for social reintegration. Over the last three years, 144 children got financial aid from Rs 20,000 to Rs 3 lakh through the Juvenile Justice Fund. For 2024-25, around 4,286 children now get Rs 4,000 monthly sponsorship. In Child Care Institutes, 940 kids have found shelter in 44 children’s homes across eight districts. Plus, the government has facilitated adoptions for about 31 children in the same period.
To keep things running smoothly, Tripura appointed over 1,400 Anganwadi workers and 1,615 helpers since April 1, 2023. This ensures better management and more effective child welfare programs in the state.
The event saw key figures like Social Welfare and Social Education Minister Tinku Roy, Secretary Tapas Roy, Director Tapan Kumar Das, and other officials joining as guests. These steps show Tripura’s commitment to nutrition, child rights, and women’s empowerment, making a real difference in everyday lives.
