Chandigarh | June 18, 2025 – In a decisive stride toward ensuring inclusive development, Punjab’s Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister, Dr. Baljit Kaur, reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to uplifting marginalized sections of society. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the state is implementing a series of welfare initiatives with renewed vigor, focused on women, children, and the elderly.
Presiding over a high-level departmental review meeting at Kisan Bhawan, Dr. Kaur emphasized that the true measure of a progressive society lies in the security, health, and education of its most vulnerable populations. She called for a transparent, timely, and result-oriented execution of all government welfare schemes.
Strengthening Anganwadi Infrastructure and Monitoring
A major highlight of the meeting was a detailed review of Anganwadi Centres. Dr. Kaur examined:
Current vacancies for Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Early Childhood Care and Education initiatives Progress under the Poshan Tracker application Execution status of schemes like Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
Stressing the foundational role of Anganwadi Centres in child and maternal welfare, Dr. Kaur directed that daily monitoring of these centres be the personal responsibility of district officers. She issued clear instructions that any Anganwadi centre found to be non-functional must be addressed with immediate corrective action.
Additionally, she urged the expedited construction of Anganwadi Centre buildings and toilet facilities under the MGNREGA scheme. Incomplete work, she said, must be finalized without delay to ensure hygiene, accessibility, and safety for children and women.
Mission Vatsalya: A Targeted Push Against Child Begging
One of the most ambitious drives currently underway is the Child Begging Rescue and Rehabilitation Campaign, operating under Mission Vatsalya. Dr. Kaur pledged personal oversight in its execution, highlighting its significance in transforming the lives of the most deprived children.
She instructed officers to accelerate rescue efforts and ensure that rehabilitation services—education, housing, and counseling—are extended promptly and compassionately. The campaign is designed not just to remove children from harmful environments, but to build sustainable pathways for their growth.
Accountability and Recognition: Performance-Based Culture
To foster a culture of accountability and motivation, Dr. Kaur announced that officers performing exceptionally well will be honored with appreciation certificates. At the same time, she issued a stern warning to non-performing officials: disciplinary action will be taken in cases of negligence or inefficiency.
The emphasis, she said, is on building a results-oriented administration where the end-beneficiary is always prioritized, and government policies translate into ground-level impact.
Focus on Adoption and Transparency
Dr. Kaur also reviewed the functioning of Specialized Adoption Agencies (SAAs) across the state. She requested a comprehensive report on all adoptions that have occurred in Punjab over the past three years. This initiative, she stressed, is vital to ensuring ethical, regulated, and transparent adoption processes for children in need of family support.
Vision for a ‘Rangla Punjab’
Dr. Baljit Kaur concluded the session by reiterating the Punjab Government’s unwavering commitment to the empowerment of women, the welfare of senior citizens, and the development of children. These three pillars, she stated, form the cornerstone of a vibrant and progressive ‘Rangla Punjab’—a vision where every individual, regardless of age or gender, has the opportunity to live with dignity, access resources, and fulfill their potential.
She urged all officers present to work with passion and a sense of mission, stating that Punjab’s future rests on how effectively it supports its most vulnerable.
The meeting was attended by key senior officials including:
Special Chief Secretary Raji P. Shrivastava, Director Dr. Sheena Aggarwal, Special Secretary Keshav Hingonia, Additional Secretary Vimmi Bhullar, Joint Secretary Anand Sagar Sharma, and others—reflecting the seriousness with which the Punjab Government is approaching its social welfare commitments.
Through robust monitoring, transparent implementation, and accountability, Punjab is taking bold steps toward inclusive governance—turning policy into action and promises into progress.
