Varanasi: Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel inaugurated multiple developmental initiatives in Varanasi at the Commissioner Auditorium. The event saw the signing of four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth INR 6 crore with Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) and an MoU with the National Stock Exchange (NSE) for a training program aimed at creating new opportunities for youth.
During the event, Governor Patel launched the ‘Divyang Sathi’ Portal, a digital platform aimed at providing essential services and information for specially-abled individuals. She also distributed 600 Anganwadi kits to Anganwadi centers with support from GAIL, making Varanasi the first district to be fully equipped with such kits. Additionally, in collaboration with the State Bank of India (SBI), sanitary napkin vending machines and incinerators were distributed to school principals, aiming to promote menstrual hygiene among young girls.
Focus on Women and Child Welfare
Addressing the gathering, the Governor emphasized the importance of strengthening Anganwadi centers, ensuring nutritious meals for children to prevent malnutrition. She urged the community to collectively take responsibility for ensuring that no child is left out of the Anganwadi system.
The Governor also honored five volunteers who have been providing moral education classes at Anganwadi centers. These include Kanti Devi, who teaches sewing and embroidery, former soldier Samsuddin, who instills discipline among children, Sushila Devi, who teaches music, and Tara Devi, who focuses on literacy programs. Recognizing their contribution, she awarded them with certificates of appreciation.
Encouraging Financial Literacy & Stock Market Awareness
Governor Patel also announced an initiative in collaboration with NSE to educate women about stock markets and financial investments. She encouraged widespread participation in this program to help women make informed financial decisions for their families’ betterment.
Recognition of Administrative Efforts
To acknowledge their contribution in implementing innovative welfare initiatives, the Governor presented certificates of appreciation to the District Magistrate, Chief Development Officer, and District Program Officer.
Strengthening Infrastructure in Other Districts
Highlighting the state’s commitment to expanding welfare programs, Governor Patel announced the construction of 75 new Anganwadi centers in Ayodhya. She also urged organizations like SBI, GAIL, and NSE to extend their support in strengthening similar centers across other districts.
Praise for Administrative Efforts
Former minister and MLA Dr. Neelkanth Tiwari lauded the Governor’s maternal approach toward governance and recalled her previous initiatives in Gujarat. Legislative Council member Dharmendra Singh extended his gratitude, acknowledging the Governor’s commitment to improving Anganwadi centers. District Magistrate S. Rajalingam expressed appreciation for the initiatives, emphasizing how the ‘Divyang Sathi’ Portal would streamline services for specially-abled individuals. Chief Development Officer Himanshu Nagpal also noted that Varanasi continues to lead in Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including District Panchayat President Poonam Maurya, MLAs Saurabh Srivastava and Neelkanth Tiwari, MLCs Hansraj Vishwakarma and Dharmendra Singh, along with officials from NSE, SBI, and GAIL.
With these groundbreaking initiatives, Varanasi is taking significant strides in child welfare, women’s health, financial literacy, and inclusive development.
