- Child Development Services moved from a rented room to its own building, providing children with a safe and well-equipped center.
- 47 children and 9 pregnant and lactating mothers are receiving nutrition, health and
early education services in the new building constructed at a cost of Rs 11.69 lakh.
The Chhattisgarh government’s efforts to strengthen Anganwadi services in remote and inaccessible areas are now showing positive changes on the ground. Saruwat Gram Panchayat, located in the Wadrafnagar development block of Balrampur-Ramanujganj district, has emerged as an inspiring example. For years, the Anganwadi, which operated in a rented room, has now become a center for children’s holistic development in its new building.
In this mountainous village, the lack of a permanent building had long hindered children, pregnant and lactating mothers from accessing Anganwadi services. Operating within limited space and resources, the center presented challenges in systematically conducting nutrition, health screening, and early education activities. The need for a permanent building was addressed through the convergence of various government schemes.
In 2025-26, a new Anganwadi building was approved in Saruwat at a cost of ₹11.69 lakh, combining the Bharat Ji Ram Ji Yojana, the 15th Finance Commission, and the Department of Women and Child Development. Funding for the building included ₹8 lakh from the Bharat Ji Ram Ji Yojana, ₹1.69 lakh from the 15th Finance Commission, and ₹2 lakh from the Department of Women and Child Development. The effective convergence of these schemes provided a permanent solution to a long-standing need in the village.
The Saruwat area is geographically extremely difficult. Transporting construction materials to the site was also a difficult task. Despite the challenging circumstances, the Gram Panchayat and the local community prioritized the construction and ensured its timely completion. As a result of their persistent efforts, the building was completed ahead of schedule in March 2026.
The new building is no longer just a place for children to sit, but has evolved into a safe and well-equipped center for nutrition, health, early education, and holistic development. Forty-seven children, aged six months to six years, regularly attend the center, engaging in playful learning, nutrition-related activities, and early education. Nine pregnant and lactating mothers also benefit from the center’s services.
Anganwadi worker Mrs. Jaimuni Gond regularly interacts with children and mothers to provide supplementary nutrition, health counseling, immunization information, and early childhood education. While previously limited facilities in a rented building hampered activities, children now have ample and safe space to learn, play, and spend time in a comfortable environment.
This change has also brought relief and confidence to local mothers. Mrs. Rajmati, mother of Varsha, a girl who attends the Anganwadi, explains that she used to worry about sending her children to the Anganwadi, but now, with the new building, she has found a safer and better environment. Childcare and activities are being conducted in a systematic manner, which has increased parents’ confidence.
Saruwat’s initiative exemplifies how effective convergence of programs, active participation of the Gram Panchayat, and sustained efforts at the local level can strengthen child development services even in remote areas. From a rented room to its own building, this Anganwadi has now become a strong foundation for a safe childhood, better nutrition, and a bright future for the village’s children.
