Sakeena Itoo calls AWWs, helpers the backbone of child welfare

RK Online Desk
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24 Apr 2026

JAMMU, APRIL 24: Minister for Social Welfare, Education, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo on Thursday said that Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and Helpers form the backbone of grassroots child welfare and community development, calling them key contributors beyond routine service delivery.

She made these remarks while addressing the concluding ceremony of the 8th Poshan Pakhwada celebrations held at Government Polytechnic College, Jammu.

The event was attended by Mission Director ICDS Sajad Hussain Ganie, Secretary Social Welfare Bashir Ahmad Khan, Director Social Welfare Jammu Ranjeet Singh, Director Health Services Jammu Dr. Abdul Hamid Zargar, along with programme officers, CDPOs, supervisors, and a large number of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister praised the dedication of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers, describing them as the first point of contact for mothers and children in both rural and urban areas.

She said, “Anganwadi Workers are real change-makers at the grassroots level. Their work in early childhood care, nutrition, pre-school education, and child welfare is helping build a healthier and stronger future generation.”

Highlighting the scale of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme, the Minister said more than 28,000 women are working under the sector in Jammu and Kashmir. She added that Anganwadi Workers also contribute to awareness programmes in coordination with departments like health and education.

The Minister stressed the need for collective efforts from families, communities, and government departments to ensure proper nutrition for children and better healthcare for mothers. She said Poshan Pakhwada is an important initiative to fight malnutrition and spread awareness on balanced diet and early childhood care.

Referring to the history of the ICDS scheme in the region, she said it was introduced in Jammu and Kashmir in 1996 under the then Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah.

Sakeena Itoo also underlined the importance of hygiene and sanitation in improving child health outcomes and urged frontline workers to continue educating families about preventive healthcare.

She said the government remains committed to strengthening the Anganwadi system by improving infrastructure and supporting frontline workers. She also assured that the welfare of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers is a priority, adding that the Chief Minister is keen on their well-being.

The Minister announced that a policy is being prepared to provide job opportunities to dependents of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers who die while in service.

She also informed that the government led by Omar Abdullah has increased marriage assistance from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000 and removed the qualification bar for the scheme.

Earlier, Mission Director ICDS Sajad Hussain Ganie highlighted the activities conducted during Poshan Pakhwada and said around 7.32 lakh events were uploaded on the Jan Andolan portal. He also thanked the Minister for increasing the department’s capital expenditure budget, which will help in making new Anganwadi centres functional.

During the event, the Minister distributed appointment orders to newly recruited Anganwadi Workers and Helpers and Vidyarambh certificates to children who completed pre-school education at Anganwadi centres.

The programme also featured cultural performances by Anganwadi Workers and Helpers, focusing on nutrition awareness for mothers and children.