Lucknow: A special Parent–Anganwadi Conference (ECCE Day) and Hot Cooked Meal Distribution Programme was successfully organised on the occasion of World Children’s Day at the Ramchaura Anganwadi Centre in Sarojini Nagar Block, Lucknow. The event was inaugurated by Baby Rani Maurya, Minister for Women and Child Development, Leena Johri, Additional Chief Secretary, Women and Child Development Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and Sarnit Kaur Broca, Director, Child Development Services and Nutrition Department. The programme was simultaneously conducted across all Anganwadi centres in the state.
During the event, Anganwadi workers and parents of registered beneficiaries participated in a series of activities aimed at strengthening community engagement and promoting early childhood care and education. Hot cooked meals were distributed to children, followed by interactive parent–Anganwadi meetings and various child-centric activities.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Baby Rani Maurya said, “Anganwadi centres play a crucial role in providing nutrition, growth monitoring, and activity-based pre-school education to children and women in the community. The state government is fully committed to ensuring well-nourished children and access to quality early education. Hot Cooked Meal schemes and regular ECCE Day meetings are significantly improving children’s nutritional outcomes while enhancing their learning abilities.”
The Minister also inspected the Ramchaura Anganwadi Centre, reviewing the services and observing the ongoing parent–Anganwadi meeting. The programme began with a formal welcome, followed by activities such as bhavgeet, target games, and child appreciation sessions. Fruits were distributed to all children, and three children received Vidyarambh certificates, marking the beginning of their learning journey.
During her visit, the Minister interacted with Anganwadi workers, reviewed the centre’s facilities, and listened to the concerns and suggestions of women and children who regularly visit the centre. She also took part in traditional ceremonies such as Godh Bharai and Annaprashan, adding warmth and community involvement to the event. The programme concluded with the distribution of hot cooked meals.
The Department of Child Development and Nutrition, in collaboration with Rocket Learning, introduced new innovations for enhancing parent–Anganwadi meetings. These innovations were demonstrated during the event and received appreciation from officials and parents alike. Senior officials engaged with parents, children, and Anganwadi workers, applauding the participation and early learning activities displayed by the children.
Speaking to the Anganwadi staff, Minister Maurya emphasised, “Anganwadi centres are pivotal in delivering nutrition and education through community participation. For a child’s mental and physical development, seasonally appropriate and nutritious food is essential.”
Additional Chief Secretary Leena Johri commended the ongoing efforts of Anganwadi centres and highlighted that key health and education indicators are consistently improving across the state. Director Sarnit Kaur reviewed the activities at the centre and directed officials to further enhance the effectiveness of programmes.
This initiative reflects the continued commitment of the Uttar Pradesh Government towards child welfare, nutrition, and early education, reinforcing the role of Anganwadi centres as pillars of community-based child development.
