Union Minister Annpurna Devi attends Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi programme in Guwahati

Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smt Annpurna Devi attended the “Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi” programme organized by the Women and Child Development Department, Government of Assam, in Guwahati on Sunday.

Addressing the event, Smt Devi highlighted the ministry’s commitment for early childhood development through the “Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi” programme, which focuses on quality education for children aged 3-6 years. She noted that 21,772 master trainers from 35 States and 42,308 Anganwadi workers from 20 states, including 1,600 master trainers from Assam, have been trained under this initiative.

Reflecting on the region’s progress, the Minister lauded the Northeast’s multidimensional development over the past decade.

Highlighting women’s empowerment Smt Annpurna Devi shared that through the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) nearly 10 crore women,



including 43 lakh from Assam, have achieved self-reliance. She also underlined the ministry’s dedication to combating malnutrition through initiatives like Poshan Pakhwada and Poshan Maah, with Assam contributing to over 30 lakh campaign activities promoting healthy lifestyles for women and children.

Talking about the development in Assam the Minister noted that 36 One-Stop Centres in the state have supported around 21,000 women. She also informed that under the 2024-25 budget, Anganwadi workers and assistants have been included in the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana providing an annual health cover of 5 lakh rupees per family. Over 60,000 Anganwadi workers and helpers in Assam now have Ayushman cards, ensuring better healthcare access.

The Minister also distributed certificates to the State level master trainers during the programme.