Under Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, various steps have been undertaken to improve the infrastructure facilities at Anganwadi Centres

**Executive Summary** This document outlines steps taken under Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 to improve infrastructure at Anganwadi Centres (AWCs). Key initiatives include increased funding for facilities, construction of new AWCs, and enhanced service delivery through technology like the Poshan Tracker and its Nominee Module for Take-Home Ration distribution. The implementation of the scheme is ongoing. **Key Points / Main Content** **Infrastructure Improvement and Construction** * **Funding for Facilities:** Funding for drinking water facilities and toilets at AWCs has been increased from Rs. 10,000/- to Rs. 17,000/- and from Rs. 12,000/- to Rs. 36,000/-, respectively. * **AWC Construction:** During the 15th Finance Commission cycle, 50,000 Anganwadi Centres are being constructed at a rate of 10,000 AWCs per year. * **Funding Sources for Construction:** Construction is funded through convergence with MGNREGS (Rs. 8.00 Lakh), 15th Finance Commission (Rs. 2.00 Lakh), and MWCD (Rs. 2.00 Lakh shared between Centre and States/UTs). * **Additional Funding Avenues:** States/UTs are advised to utilize funds from schemes like MPLADS, RIDF, Finance Commission Grants, and MSDP for AWC construction. * **Targeted Construction:** Initiatives like PM JANMAN and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan are being undertaken for the development of tribal populations and northern border areas (Vibrant Village Programme - Phase I). * **Saksham Anganwadis:** Two lakh AWCs in government buildings are being strengthened as Saksham Anganwadis by 2025, featuring LED screens, water filtration, Poshan Vatika, ECCE material, and BALA paintings. **Service Delivery Enhancement** * **Poshan Tracker:** The Poshan Tracker application is utilized for monitoring and tracking AWCs, workers, and beneficiaries, facilitating near real-time data collection on services like attendance, ECCE activities, and ration distribution. * **Nominee Module for THR:** A Nominee Module has been introduced in Poshan Tracker to ensure uninterrupted Take-Home Ration (THR) delivery to Pregnant Women, Lactating Mothers, and Adolescent Girls. If the beneficiary cannot visit in person, a nominated individual can receive the THR after undergoing e-KYC once, with face matching conducted each time THR is collected on behalf of the beneficiary. * **Facial Recognition System (FRS):** An FRS has been developed for last-mile tracking of service delivery, ensuring THR benefits are provided only to intended beneficiaries after identity verification. **Co-location and Scheme Implementation** * **Co-location Guidelines:** Guidelines for co-locating AWCs within Government Primary Schools have been launched to strengthen ECCE and Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) services. If physical co-location is not feasible, AWCs are to be mapped with the nearest primary school. * **Scheme Implementation Authority:** Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 is a Centrally Sponsored scheme, with implementation falling under the purview of State Governments and UTs administrations. **Impact Analysis** **Stakeholder: Beneficiaries (Pregnant Women, Lactating Mothers, Adolescent Girls)** * **Impact:** Improved infrastructure at AWCs, including better drinking water facilities and toilets. Ensured uninterrupted delivery of Take-Home Ration (THR) through the Nominee Module and FRS, providing flexibility in receiving benefits. Enhanced early childhood care and education services. * **Action Required:** Beneficiaries may need to register a nominee if they are unable to collect THR personally. They may also need to undergo identity verification through FRS. **Stakeholder: Anganwadi Workers** * **Impact:** Facilitated service delivery through the Poshan Tracker application for monitoring and data collection. Increased access to improved infrastructure at their respective AWCs. * **Action Required:** Continued utilization of the Poshan Tracker for monitoring and reporting. Participation in the FRS process for THR distribution. **Stakeholder: State Governments and UTs Administrations** * **Impact:** Responsible for the implementation of Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0. Need to tap into various funding schemes for AWC construction and facility upgrades. * **Action Required:** Continue to tap funds from various schemes for AWC construction. Implement the guidelines for co-locating AWCs with primary schools. Manage the implementation of the scheme within their jurisdictions. **Stakeholder: Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD)** * **Impact:** Leading the implementation of Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0. Developed technological tools like Poshan Tracker and FRS to enhance service delivery. * **Action Required:** Continue to monitor and facilitate the implementation of the scheme. Oversee the strengthening of AWCs into Saksham Anganwadis. **Stakeholder: Ministry of Education (Department of School Education and Literacy)** * **Impact:** Involved in the joint launch of guidelines for co-locating AWCs within Government Primary Schools. * **Action Required:** Collaborate with MWCD on co-location initiatives to strengthen ECCE and FLN services.

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