Relaxation in Anganwadi Centre Norms to Be Taken Up with Union Govt: Sakeena Itoo

SRINAGAR: Minister for Social Welfare Sakeena Itoo on Wednesday informed the Jammu Kashmir Legislative Assembly that the Government will take up the issue of relaxing the existing criteria for establishing Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) in far-flung and inaccessible areas with the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development, in order to extend welfare benefits to the most vulnerable sections of society.

Replying to a question raised by Legislator Reyaz Ahmad Khan, the Minister said that the current guidelines governing the establishment of new Anganwadi Centres are regulated by the Union Ministry. As per the existing norms, one AWC is sanctioned for every population block of 400–800 people, two for 800–1600, three for 1600–2400, and thereafter, an additional centre is added for every multiple of 800 persons.

Itoo clarified that, at present, there is no approved proposal for setting up additional Anganwadi Centres in the far-flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir. However, she assured the House that the matter concerning left-out and remote regions that meet the prescribed criteria would be taken up with the Government of India for consideration.

“The Government is aware of the challenges faced by residents in inaccessible areas, and we are committed to ensuring that the benefits of welfare schemes reach every targeted household,” the Minister said.

She further informed that all necessary measures are being undertaken to ensure effective implementation of programmes under Poshan 2.0 across both rural and remote areas. Field functionaries, she added, have been directed to identify vulnerable groups to guarantee the inclusion of all eligible beneficiaries under the scheme.

The Minister reiterated the Government’s resolve to bridge service delivery gaps and ensure equitable access to nutrition and child welfare services in every part of Jammu Kashmir.