Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
Women and Child Development department (WCD), Government of Haryana, has organised an inspiring event of inauguration of Libraries at Anganwadi Centres in Village Budanpur and Village Kedarpur, Panchkula. The libraries were inaugurated by Smt. Sonia Rastogi, wife of Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi. The IAS Officers’ Wives Association has contributed 10 ceiling fans, 4 water purifiers, hand puppets, building blocks, animal toys, storybooks, and colouring books. Their contribution reflects a growing citizen-led movement to support and strengthen early childhood care and education in Haryana.
This initiative aims to promote early childhood learning and joyful education through well-equipped and vibrant spaces at Anganwadi Centers, where children from marginalized communities can access books, toys, and educational materials.The new libraries will provide enhanced educational resources and a stimulating environment for deprived children attending the Anganwadi Centers, further strengthening pre-school education in the state.
Speaking on the occasion, Sonia Rastogi, who has been instrumental in mobilizing support for the repair and upgradation of Anganwadi Centres in District Panchkula, besides arranging materials for libraries, reiterated her commitment to supporting the Department’s vision for improved child welfare services.
At the Anganwadi Centre in Village Kedarpur, the celebrations included a series of engaging community activities such as the ‘God Bharai’ ceremony for pregnant women, cake-cutting to celebrate the girl child, and tree plantation, symbolizing growth and nurturing of both children and the environment. In addition, at the library inauguration occasion, Anganwadi Workers showcased 'Best out of Waste' materials for pre-school activities and displayed low-cost, nutritious recipes to educate and encourage the local community on healthy child-rearing practices.
Former Director General, Health Department, Dr. Usha Gupta, stressed the importance of nutritional benefits of millets (Mota Anaaj) and sprouts, and she emphasised their importance for women and children's health. The initiative is aligned with the goals of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, and the State Government of Haryana under the POSHAN Abhiyaan and Saksham Anganwadi 2.0. It also contributes to the larger objective of transforming Anganwadi Centers into Anganwadi-cum-Pre-schools under the Rashtriya Shiksha Niti, with over 4,000 Centers already upgraded across the State.
Women and Child Development department, Joint Director,Rajbala Kataria appreciated the contribution and initiative taken by the IAS Officers Wives Association for coming forward to contribute to the basic needs of Anganwadis and play schools such as fans, water purifier, toys, learning materials for children. She asked the Association to contribute for the far flung areas where the Anganwadis and play schools lack the facilities.