30-05-2025
6,500 Anganwadi centres upgraded to Smart centres across Tamil Nadu, says Minister Geetha Jeevan
Minister of Social Welfare and Women Empowerment P. Geetha Jeevan on Friday announced that 6,500 Anganwadi centres across the state have been upgraded into Smart Anganwadi centres. She made this announcement while participating in an event at Thoothukudi Government Medical College and Hospital (TKGMCH).
At the event Ms. Geetha Jeevan launched the distribution of special protein rich meals to the patients undergoing dialysis treatment at the government hospitals. The meal includes milk, eggs, a cup of cooked chickpeas and biscuits.
The event was presided over by TKGMCH Dean G. Sivakumar, Medical Superintendent Padhmanabhan and Resident Medical Officer Silas Jeyamani.
Addressing the media, the Minister said, 'The Chief Minister has directed that protein rich meals be provided daily to patients undergoing dialysis. Accordingly the distribution has begun at the TKGMCH.'
She added that in the TKGMCH alone, 22 patients were currently undergoing dialysis every day and this nutritious meal would be helpful for the patients travelling from rural areas for treatment.
Speaking on reopening of Anganwadi centres on June 2, she said for the first time, books and uniforms would be distributed on the first day for the children attending Anaganwadi centres. Preparations were underway to ensure this distribution across 54,000 centres in Tamil Nadu.
She highlighted that about 6,500 Anganwadi centres in the state had been upgraded into Smart Anganwadi centres as of March 2025, with fresh mural paintings, LED TVs, RO water purifiers and other modern facilities. 'These upgrades have been carried out using funds from CSR initiatives , MLA and MP Constituency developments funds, special grants from the Central and State government and special allotments from the District Collector,' she noted.
The minister further added that the information regarding underweight new born was collected by the Social Welfare Department and special care was being provided to these children. Even children who were not enrolled at Anganwadi centres were visited by Anganwadi workers to monitor their health and offer nutritional support. These efforts resulted in the reduction in infant mortality rates among children under the age five in the past year, she stated.
