HT Correspondent
MORIGAON, June 8: In a significant step to empower frontline health and childcare workers, Assam Water Resources, Information and Public Relations Minister Pijush Hazarika, along with Guardian Minister of Morigaon district Kaushik Rai, distributed smartphones to Anganwadi workers in a special function held at the District Library Auditorium today.
Organized by the District Women and Child Welfare Department under the POSHAN Abhiyaan, the initiative benefitted Anganwadi workers and helpers from 2,137 Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) across Morigaon district.
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Speaking at the event, Minister Hazarika lauded the crucial role played by Anganwadi workers in early childhood care and maternal health. “These frontline workers are the backbone of our efforts to ensure child nutrition and development, beginning from the prenatal stage,” he said. He emphasized their contributions in economically weaker sections, where Anganwadi workers often serve as the primary agents of nutritional and health support.
Highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to support Anganwadi workers, Hazarika praised Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s leadership in introducing retirement benefits—Rs 4 lakh for workers and Rs 2 lakh for helpers—which he termed a “historic initiative.” He further assured the gathering that the state government is committed to resolving other long-pending issues in a systematic manner.
The minister also spoke about the broader developmental goals of the state, including the modernization of Anganwadi centres and the creation of employment opportunities. “In the past four years, more than 1.5 lakh youths have been recruited into government services through a transparent and merit-based system,” he added.
Minister Hazarika also highlighted flagship welfare schemes like Orunodoi and ongoing flood control measures in Morigaon, undertaken by the Water Resources Department.
Guardian Minister Kaushik Rai, in his address, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to people-centric governance and urged Anganwadi workers to remain dedicated to the welfare of children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
The distribution of smartphones is expected to significantly improve data collection and monitoring capacities in Anganwadi centres, thereby enhancing service delivery in areas such as child nutrition, health, and education.
The event was attended by over 400 Anganwadi workers and helpers, as well as key dignitaries including local MLA Romakanta Deuri, District Commissioner Debasish Sharma, and Superintendent of Police Hemanta Kumar Das.
