Himachal Govt prioritises health, nutrition and education for young learners

Advances early childhood care with Saksham Anganwadi Centres

Promotes kitchen gardens to improve Mid-Day Meals, ensures nutritious meals for over five lakh school students

Under the visionary leadership of Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the present state government has taken determined steps to strengthen the foundations of early childhood care and the development of children. With a clear focus on nutrition, quality education and inclusive growth, the government is committed to ensuring that every child in Himachal Pradesh receives the support and opportunities needed to thrive and succeed.

The present state government has placed child nutrition and early development at the centre of its governance agenda. Recognising that balanced and nutritious food is essential for both physical growth and mental well-being, the government has intensified efforts to secure the health and future of Himachal’s youngest citizens.

Across the state, 18,925 Anganwadi Centres are serving as pillars of community care, catering to the nutritional and early educational needs of children. Every month, the growth of children up to six years of age is carefully monitored on key physical and developmental parameters, ensuring that no child is left behind. During the current financial year alone, Rs. 113 crore has been spent under the Anganwadi Services Scheme, while Rs. 1516.09 lakh has been utilised under the Special Nutrition Programme which is a clear reflection of the government’s unwavering commitment.

In a significant step towards holistic child development, the government has declared all Anganwadi Centres as “Anganwadi Co-Schools”. This progressive move aims to integrate early childhood care with formal schooling, strengthening the foundation of learning. A state-level joint committee, chaired by the Secretary (Education), has been constituted to effectively implement guidelines issued by the Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Ministry of Education for co-locating Anganwadi Centres with schools.

Further strengthening this framework, 1,030 Saksham Anganwadi Centres have been approved in the state, including 100 in Chamba district alone. The process of upgrading centres is underway, supported by comprehensive capacity building. District Programme Officers, Child Development Project Officers and Supervisors have been trained as State-Level Master Trainers. They, in turn, will train Anganwadi Workers across the state, ensuring improved service delivery at the grassroots level.

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has also launched the Mukhyamantri Bal Poshan Aahar Yojna, extending nutritious meals to students in all government schools. Under this scheme, 5.34 lakh students studying in 15,181 government schools are receiving a wholesome and balanced meal which is reinforcing the belief that learning flourishes when hunger is eliminated.

Complementing this initiative is the highly successful “Kitchen Garden” movement. Implemented in 14,464 schools, these gardens produce seasonal vegetables and herbs with the collective efforts of mid-day meal workers, teachers, school management committees and students. Even schools with limited space have adopted innovative methods, growing vegetables in containers and pots. The fresh produce is incorporated into mid-day meals, ensuring that children receive healthy, farm-fresh food while also learning the value of natural farming and sustainable living.

Acknowledging the dedication of 21,115 mid-day meal workers who serve food with care and commitment, the Chief Minister has enhanced their monthly honorarium by Rs. 500, raising it to Rs. 5,000. This gesture underscores the government’s recognition of their vital role in nurturing young lives.

The World Health Organization affirms that proper nutrition is fundamental to improved child and maternal health, stronger immunity, reduced risk of non-communicable diseases and longer life expectancy. The Himachal Pradesh government’s initiatives are firmly aligned with this global understanding.

Healthy children learn better, dream bigger and grow into productive citizens capable of breaking the cycles of poverty and deprivation. Through sustained investment, thoughtful planning and compassionate leadership, the present state government has ensured that nutritious food is not a privilege, but a right for every child.

As Himachal Pradesh moves forward, it does so with a clear vision that the prosperity of the state rests in the well-being of its children. Under the steadfast leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the state is not merely feeding its youngest citizens but it is nurturing hope, strengthening futures and building a healthier, happier and brighter Himachal for generations to come.