PM Modi Calls for Stronger Focus on Girls’ Health, Nutrition and Empowerment

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged greater attention to adolescent girls’ health, nutrition, safety and overall development while addressing the concluding session of the two-day National Departmental Summit on Women and Child Development in New Delhi.

Highlighting Jan Bhagidari (public participation), he called for Anganwadi Centres to become community hubs, encouraging local families to donate nutritious food, toys and other useful items for children on special occasions.

On women’s safety, Modi stressed age-appropriate awareness programmes for children focusing on safety, dignity and empowerment, alongside coordinated preventive action by different departments.

He also advocated stronger Centre-State cooperation and suggested organising Chintan Shivirs at district, municipal and metropolitan levels to share innovative ideas and practical solutions.

The Prime Minister urged Women and Child Development Departments to take an active role in the Swachhata Abhiyan, emphasising that cleanliness is essential for good health and nutrition. He further called for promoting Vocal for Local and One District One Product (ODOP) to strengthen women’s collectives, support local products, improve livelihoods and expand economic opportunities. Universities were encouraged to adopt these initiatives and assess their social impact.

The summit brought together ministers and senior officials from states and Union Territories to discuss nutrition, early childhood care, child protection, women’s safety and empowerment, and improved public service delivery through better coordination.