Gujarat has significantly expanded its Anganwadi services, bringing more than 6.45 lakh new beneficiaries under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) network in just two months, from November 2025 to January 2026. The expansion includes 1.36 lakh pregnant and lactating women and 5.08 lakh children under six, highlighting the state’s renewed focus on maternal and child health.
Currently, Gujarat operates over 53,000 Anganwadi centers, and this initiative is expected to enhance nutrition, health, and pre-primary education for millions of residents. With this effort, the total number of Anganwadi beneficiaries in the state now exceeds 53 lakh, with plans to bring in several more in the near future.
Key Features of the Expansion
1. Intensive Enrollment Drive:
Following a series of review meetings, the state launched a targeted enrollment campaign on November 19, 2025, aimed at bringing children and mothers who were previously outside the ICDS network into the system.
2. Focused Demographics:
The expansion specifically targets children under six years, pregnant women, and lactating mothers, aiming to improve nutritional outcomes, reduce infant and maternal mortality rates, and support overall health.
3. Digital Integration for Transparency:
All new beneficiaries have been verified and tracked via the Poshan Tracker app, ensuring transparent service delivery and efficient monitoring of nutrition and health programs.
4. Strengthening Support Services:
The state is enhancing services through initiatives such as “Pa Pa Pagli” for pre-primary education, distribution of fortified food, and upgrading Anganwadis into modern Nanda Ghars.
5. Infrastructure Expansion:
With a network of over 53,000 centers, Gujarat plans to construct more than 10,000 new Nanda Ghars in the coming years to further expand reach and quality of services.
This initiative reflects Gujarat’s commitment to comprehensive care for women and children, combining nutrition, education, and health services. Authorities estimate that roughly another six lakh potential beneficiaries will be brought under the system in the near future, ensuring broader access to essential services across the state.