CM Yogi Announces Huge Recruitment Drive for Anganwadi Workers in UP

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday announced that the state aims to recruit more than 5,000 Anganwadi workers and over 60,000 helpers this year, with the recruitment process already underway. The announcement was made during a programme at Lok Bhawan, where the Chief Minister also inaugurated multiple Anganwadi projects.

Addressing the gathering, CM Yogi highlighted efforts to strengthen social security for frontline child care workers. Anganwadi staff have now been brought under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana. In addition, more than three lakh workers and helpers will receive health insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh annually under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

The Chief Minister criticised the pre-2017 administrative system, alleging that nutritional supplements were once controlled by the “liquor mafia,” resulting in widespread diversion of benefits meant for malnourished children and mothers. He stated that the current government has ensured transparency in appointments and programme implementation, with recruitment now conducted strictly on merit. Nutrition and child development programmes are also being digitised using smartphones and modern growth-monitoring devices.

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CM Yogi added that the lack of smartphones earlier hindered real-time data collection, affecting state rankings. Following a pilot project in Lucknow, smartphones will now be distributed to Anganwadi workers across all districts. He also announced that 27,000 centres previously under the Basic Education Department would be integrated into the Anganwadi network, which will play a key role in implementing the National Education Policy by offering pre-primary classes for children aged 3-5 years.

Highlighting the importance of Anganwadi workers, the Chief Minister recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s description of them as “Yashoda Maiya,” emphasising their critical role in nurturing young children. He stressed that ensuring proper nutrition for newborns and maternal health is vital for the country’s future, and credited Anganwadi workers and helpers as key contributors in combating malnutrition.

The Chief Minister also announced the construction of new Anganwadi centres at a cost of Rs 137 crore and inaugurated projects worth Rs 313 crore, including new centres and Child Development Project offices. Recalling their role during the Covid-19 pandemic, he praised Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, and ANMs for acting as frontline personnel in delivering essential health services and implementing government strategies at the grassroots level.

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