Various steps taken by WCD Ministry to improve infrastructure facilities at Anganwadi Centres under Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0

**Executive Summary** The Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) is taking steps to improve infrastructure at Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) under Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0. This includes increased funding for facilities, construction of new AWC buildings, and strengthening existing centers, as well as co-locating them within Government Primary Schools, in convergence with the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education. The guidelines have been jointly launched on 3rd September, 2025. State Governments and UTs are responsible for implementing the scheme. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Increased Funding for Facilities:** * Funding for drinking water facilities increased from Rs.10,000 to Rs.17,000. * Funding for toilets increased from Rs.12,000 to Rs.36,000. * **Construction of New AWC Buildings:** * Provision for construction of 50,000 AWC buildings over five years (@10,000 AWCs per year). * Rs.8.00 Lakh provided under MGNREGS, Rs.2.00 Lakh under 15th Finance Commission (FC), and Rs.2.00 Lakh by MWCD per AWC, shared between Centre and States/UTs. * States/UTs advised to tap funds from other schemes like MPLADS, RIDF, Finance Commission Grants, MSDP, etc. * **Strengthening Existing AWCs:** * Two lakh AWCs in Government buildings (@40,000 AWCs per year) are strengthened as Saksham Anganwadis. * Saksham Anganwadis are provided with infrastructure upgrades like LED screens, water filtration systems, Poshan Vatika, ECCE material, and BALA paintings. * **Targeted Development for Specific Groups:** * 2,500 AWCs sanctioned for construction for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) under PM JANMAN. * 875 AWCs sanctioned for construction under Dharti Abha Janjati Gram Unnat Abhiyan. * 101 AWCs sanctioned for construction in Northern border areas under VVP (Vibrant Village Programme) - Phase I. * **Co-location with Primary Schools:** * Guidelines for co-locating AWCs within Government Primary Schools jointly launched on September 3, 2025. * AWCs to be mapped with the nearest primary school where physical co-location is not possible. * **Implementation and Oversight:** * Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 is a Centrally Sponsored scheme. * Implementation falls under the ambit of State Governments and UTs administration. * Filling vacant posts at various levels is regularly taken up with States/UTs. * State and UT wise details of infrastructure and staff vacancies are available at https://www.poshantracker.in/statistics. **Impact Analysis** **State Governments and UTs** *Impact* Responsible for implementing Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, which includes the construction, strengthening, and co-location of Anganwadi Centers. *Action Required* Tap into various funding sources, ensure the filling of vacant posts, implement infrastructure improvements, and coordinate with schools for co-location initiatives. **Anganwadi Centres (AWCs)** *Impact* Benefit from improved infrastructure, enhanced facilities, and better resources for providing nutrition and early childhood care and education. *Action Required* Utilize the new resources and infrastructure to enhance the quality of services provided to children. **Children and Communities** *Impact* Will have access to better facilities, improved nutrition, and enhanced early childhood education, especially in vulnerable and tribal communities. *Action Required* Participate in Anganwadi programs and utilize the available resources for the benefit of children. **Ministry of Education** *Impact* Collaboration to strenghten Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) services. *Action Required* Work with Anganwadi Centres for co-location initiatives.

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