Here is the whole scheme in one place: what you get, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to check.
| Scheme | Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 (Mission) |
|---|---|
| Ministry | Ministry of Women and Child Development, Govt of India |
| Benefit | Supplementary nutrition, health check-ups, pre-school activities and nutrition education |
| Who can use it | Pregnant women, lactating mothers, children up to 6 years, and adolescent girls |
| How it is given | Services delivered at the local Anganwadi Centre (AWC) |
| Apply at | Your nearest Anganwadi Centre, or poshanabhiyaan.gov.in for information |
| Cost to use | Free |
Key points
- Services are free at the local Anganwadi Centre.
- Pregnant women, new mothers and children under 6 are the main beneficiaries.
- Around 14 lakh Anganwadi centres operate across India.
- Registration at your AWC gives access to all services.
So what do families actually get?
Anganwadi centres give free supplementary nutrition to pregnant women, new mothers and young children.
Children get growth monitoring, and their weight and height are checked regularly.
Children aged 3 to 6 get pre-school activities to prepare them for school.
Mothers get nutrition education, and basic health services like immunisation referrals and contraceptive counselling are available.
Who can use the Anganwadi, and who is covered?
The main groups are pregnant women, lactating mothers, children up to 6 years, and adolescent girls.
Services are meant for families in the local area served by the centre.
Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 covers around 8.98 crore registered beneficiaries.
The exact entitlements can vary by age group, so ask your local worker which services apply to you.
A short background: how did this start?
The Anganwadi began in Maharashtra in 1975 under the Integrated Child Development Services programme.
Its aim is to fight child hunger, malnutrition and poor early health.
Under the newer Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, the focus is on nutrition, digital records and better early care.
Figures and rules can be revised, so check the official portal for the latest details.
What documents should you keep ready?
Keep your Aadhaar card and your child's birth certificate or Aadhaar details ready.
Mothers should carry their maternity or health card, if they have one.
Bring a mobile number so the worker can reach you for updates and reminders.
How do you register and use the services?
Visit your nearest Anganwadi Centre and meet the Anganwadi Worker.
Share your name, address, and details of the mother and child.
The worker will record your family in the register and explain the services.
- 1Visit the centreGo to your nearest Anganwadi Centre and meet the Anganwadi Worker.
- 2Share your detailsGive your name, address, and details of the mother and child.
- 3Family recordedThe worker records your family in the register and explains the services.
- 4Check onlineFind more details and information on poshanabhiyaan.gov.in.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
Online details and information are available on poshanabhiyaan.gov.in.
Can you apply or get help without going to the centre?
Most services are given at the centre itself, so going there is the simplest route.
Anganwadi Workers and Helpers visit homes for growth monitoring and home visits.
If the centre is far or closed, you can ask your local block or district Women and Child Development office for help.
What should you do if a service is missed or stopped?
First, speak to the Anganwadi Worker and ask them to check your child's record.
Services can be affected by poor record keeping or technical problems with the digital app.
If the problem continues, contact the block Child Development Project Officer or the district office.
Do not pay anyone for Anganwadi services. Report any demand for money.
Frequently asked questions
Is Anganwadi service free?
Yes. The services at the Anganwadi Centre are free for eligible families.
Can a father or grandparent take the child to the Anganwadi?
Yes. Any family member can take the child to the centre and meet the worker.
Is there an age limit for children?
Services are mainly for children up to 6 years, with pre-school activities for ages 3 to 6.
Do I need a smartphone to use the services?
No. The Anganwadi Worker keeps the records, so you do not need a smartphone.
Who runs the Anganwadi Centre?
It is run by the Anganwadi Worker and Helper under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, with support from the state government.
Official links
This guide is based on official scheme rules. Rules and amounts can change, so always confirm on the official website before you apply. News Anek is not a government website.
