NEW DELHI, Oct 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called for greater attention to the health, nutrition and holistic development of adolescent girls, while advocating age-appropriate educational modules to teach children about women’s safety, dignity and empowerment.
Addressing the concluding session of the two-day National Departmental Summit organised by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Modi stressed the need for preventive measures to address women’s safety through coordinated efforts among different government departments.
The summit brought together ministers and senior officials from states and Union territories to discuss nutrition, early childhood care, child protection, women’s empowerment and improved delivery of public services.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi appreciated the detailed discussions and highlighted the importance of collaborative decision-making between the Centre and state governments.
He encouraged states to organise similar chintan shivirs at district, municipal and metropolitan levels to exchange ideas and develop practical solutions to local challenges. He also proposed dedicated discussions for Anganwadi workers, enabling them to share field experiences, innovative practices and effective approaches to service delivery.
Emphasising Jan Bhagidari, or public participation, the prime minister said Anganwadi centres should serve as hubs of community engagement rather than function as isolated institutions.
He suggested encouraging families living near these centres to contribute nutritious food, toys and other locally relevant resources for children on special occasions. Such participation, he said, could strengthen community involvement in child development.
Modi also called for greater collaboration between universities, educational institutions and Anganwadi centres. He suggested that universities adopt nearby centres and conduct social impact studies to assess their functioning and identify opportunities for improvement.
Medical students, along with volunteers from the National Service Scheme (NSS) and the National Cadet Corps (NCC), could also participate in community initiatives and support activities at Anganwadi centres.
Highlighting the importance of adolescent health, the prime minister urged authorities to give greater priority to girls’ nutritional needs, healthcare and overall development. He also stressed the close connection between cleanliness, public health and nutrition, calling on Women and Child Development Departments across the country to take an active role in the Swachhata Abhiyan.
He noted that Anganwadi centres and nearby communities could play a significant role in promoting hygienic practices and encouraging lasting behavioural changes.
On women’s economic empowerment, Modi called for promoting initiatives such as Vocal for Local and One District One Product (ODOP). He said women’s self-help groups and community organisations could help strengthen local products, create livelihood opportunities and improve economic independence.
The prime minister underlined the significance of the responsibilities entrusted to the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development and its state-level counterparts, noting that their work affects a substantial section of the population.
He said children receiving care and support at Anganwadi centres today would eventually become the citizens and workforce contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Women and Child Development Minister Annpurna Devi said the government remained committed to strengthening coordination between the Centre and states to advance women’s empowerment, child welfare, nutrition, safety and holistic development.
Following the summit, Modi also posted on X, describing the event as a valuable exchange of perspectives and best practices.
The discussions focused on improving coordination, strengthening grassroots institutions and developing more effective approaches to women’s and children’s welfare across the country.