Agartala, June 29: Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annpurna Devi, described Tripura as a ‘model state’ for its commendable initiatives in the welfare of women and children.
She stated that both the Central and State Governments are working tirelessly to ensure the safety, equality, and overall development of women and children through constitutional safeguards and dedicated legislation.
The Union Minister made these remarks while visiting the Girls' Unit-II Child Care Institution, the 'Saksham' Anganwadi Centre adjacent to the Women's Shelter at Abhoynagar, Agartala, and the under-construction Working Women's Hostel.
She said that, under the guidance of the Prime Minister's vision of "Viksit Bharat", Tripura has successfully implemented various welfare schemes and programmes.
She further said that, in line with the national goal of building a developed India by 2047, the Ministry of Women and Child Development is continuously strengthening the child welfare system. Besides education, special emphasis is also being placed on skill development. During her visit, she stressed the need to further improve the effectiveness of government welfare schemes for women and children.
Earlier in the day, Union Minister Annapurna Devi offered prayers at the Tripura Sundari Temple at Matabari in Udaipur. She said that visiting the Shakti Peeth brings a unique sense of peace and prayed to Goddess Tripurasundari for global peace, prosperity, and the well-being of humanity.
Later, the Union Minister visited the Sakhi One Stop Centre at Tepania in Udaipur, where she reviewed the services, rehabilitation facilities, and infrastructure available for women facing violence and distress. She also interacted with officials and emphasized further improving service delivery and strengthening measures for women's safety.
The Union Minister chaired a review meeting at the State Guest House at Agartala. The meeting was attended by Tripura's Minister for Social Welfare and Social Education Tinku Roy, Chairperson of the Child Rights Commission Jayanti Debbarma, Vice-Chairperson of the State Women's Commission Madhumita Chakraborty, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Child Development Ajit Kumar, Special Secretary of the Social Welfare and Social Education Department Tapan Kumar Das, District Magistrates, Additional District Magistrates, and representatives of the department.
The review meeting discussed various schemes and programmes, including Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0, PM JANMAN, Mukhyamantri Pushti Uphaar, Mukhyamantri Balika Samriddhi Yojana, Mukhyamantri Poshan Abhiyan, Mission Shakti, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Child Marriage, Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana, and Vatsalya Mission. The progress of several ongoing infrastructure projects was also reviewed.
Addressing the meeting, Union Minister Annpurna Devi said that proper care and nurturing of children would play a vital role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat and Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. She described child marriage and drug abuse as serious social evils that must be eliminated for the country's progress. She emphasized the need for greater awareness campaigns to prevent child marriage and substance abuse, adding that the Government has launched an initiative to create Child Marriage-Free Villages across the country.
The Minister further said that development can be achieved only when the benefits of government schemes reach the intended beneficiaries. She noted, would pave the way for building a Developed India, Prosperous India, and Shreshtha Bharat.
Addressing a press conference after the review meeting, the Union Minister highlighted the implementation of various women and child welfare schemes by both the Central and Tripura Governments. She appreciated the Tripura Government for implementing these programmes with sensitivity and commitment. She also praised the State Government's determined efforts toward building a Drug-Free India.
In the evening, Union Minister Annapurna Devi paid a courtesy call on Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu at Lok Bhavan. On Tuesday, June 30, the Union Minister will visit Neermahal in Sepahijala district and interact with members of women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in the district.