CM Yogi Announces Two Free Uniforms for Anganwadi Children in Kashi: Uttar Pradesh Launches 9th National Nutrition Month
In a major welfare announcement aimed at boosting early childhood development, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has declared that all children enrolled in state-run Anganwadi centers will now receive two free uniforms. Inaugurating the ninth National Nutrition Month at the Rudraksh Convention Center in Varanasi, the Chief Minister emphasized that robust physical and mental foundations in early childhood are essential for building a developed nation. Highlighting the stark transformation of state welfare infrastructure since 2017, the Yogi government has successfully modernized over 70,000 dilapidated Anganwadi centers, transforming them into vibrant learning hubs equipped with modern amenities, smart classes, and nutrition gardens.
Eradicating Malnutrition Through Transparent Distribution and Women-Led THR Plants
Detailing the state's comprehensive framework to combat malnutrition, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted that Uttar Pradesh is actively bridging nutritional gaps by distributing wholesome grains via Take-Home Rations (THR). Over 200 production plants managed by women's Self-Help Groups have been established across the state to prepare and supply high-quality THR packets, which undergo strict quality audits by central organizations. To ensure total transparency and prevent leakages, all nutrition-carrying vehicles are equipped with live GPS tracking, and packages feature scannable QR codes. Currently, the state operates 1.90 lakh approved centers extending nutritional benefits to 1.56 crore beneficiaries, while hot-cooked meals are regularly provided to over 35 lakh children alongside continuous health and growth monitoring.
Empowering Anganwadi Workers and Rejuvenating Historic State Schools
Reflecting on past governance deficits, the Chief Minister recalled how Anganwadi workers previously had to stage protests for basic survival wages prior to 2017. In recognition of their tireless grassroots service, the state government substantially increased their monthly honorarium from Rs 3,000 to Rs 12,000—alongside providing Rs 5 lakh life insurance coverage—while boosting assistants' pay from Rs 1,500 to Rs 6,000 and equipping workers with smartphones. Shifting focus to secondary education, the CM announced a comprehensive state-wide drive under Operation Kayakalp and Operation Alankar to renovate and modernize over 2,100 government and aided schools older than 40 years. Modern scientific education, Atal Tinkering Labs for space science, robotics labs, and smart classrooms are being aggressively integrated to prepare students for a self-reliant India.
