Delhi to relocate around 1,000 Anganwadi centers under Poshan 2.0 for better childcare facilities

Within the next three months, approximately 1,000 Anganwadi centers will move inside Delhi government schools to upgrade infrastructure and amenities, according to a Women and Child Development Department official.

Under Poshan 2.0, an Integrated Nutrition Support Program, the co-located Anganwadi centers will be known as Saksham Anganwadis.

"This initiative aims to provide better infrastructure and facilities for children. Adequate healthcare, nutrition, security, safety, responsive caregiving, and opportunities for early learning are essential for children to achieve their full potential," the official said.

Within the next three months, he said, these 1,000 Anganwadi centers will be moved to Delhi government schools, MCD schools, and schools managed by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB).

"A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed with the Asian Development Bank, which will provide financial aid for infrastructural development," he added.

"Currently, we have identified 153 MCD schools for relocation, and the process of identifying more schools is ongoing," the official said.

He clarified that it had been difficult to build enough infrastructure in rented spaces, but that it would be simpler to implement upgrades and create various services for children now that Anganwadis are located in schools.

"We are identifying schools that are located close to the existing Anganwadi centers so that the transition will be easier for both children and staff," he said.