Udaipur: In response to a starred question raised in the Rajya Sabha by MP Chunnilal Garasia, the Ministry of Women and Child Development presented detailed information in the House regarding the digitization of Anganwadi centres across the country and the progress of Mission Poshan 2.0.
The Ministry informed that a comprehensive program is being implemented to equip Anganwadi centres with modern digital infrastructure and to strengthen the nutrition monitoring system. Under Mission Poshan 2.0, a target has been set to upgrade 2 lakh Anganwadi centres into “Saksham Anganwadis” over the next five years.
Saksham Anganwadi and Digital Facilities
Saksham Anganwadi centres are being provided with modern facilities such as internet/Wi-Fi connectivity, LED screens, smart learning devices, audio-visual teaching aids, water purifiers, and child-friendly educational materials. These measures aim to enhance early childhood care and education (ECCE) and improve the quality of nutrition services.
Real-Time Monitoring Through Poshan Tracker App
According to the Ministry, the Poshan Tracker app is available in 24 languages, and so far 14.02 lakh Anganwadi centres have been connected to the platform. As of January 31, 2026, 8.90 crore beneficiaries have been registered on the app. The platform maintains digital records of daily attendance, child growth monitoring, ECCE modules, and distribution of hot cooked meals and rations. Beneficiary authentication is being carried out using facial recognition systems and e-KYC, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Financial Assistance for Digital Devices
The Central Government is providing financial assistance to States and Union Territories for the purchase of smartphones and growth monitoring devices such as stadiometers and infant weighing scales. Assistance of ₹10,000 per smartphone (including GST) and ₹8,000 per set of four monitoring devices (including GST) has been approved.
Positive Findings in Outcome-Based Evaluation
A 2025 study conducted by the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO) of NITI Aayog found that the Poshan Tracker has led to multi-dimensional improvements in nutrition monitoring, ECCE implementation, beneficiary authentication, and service delivery efficiency. According to the report, 97.6 percent of States and Union Territories now maintain digital records, strengthening e-governance and enabling more effective evidence-based decision-making. Digitization has enhanced transparency and accountability in service delivery, enabled real-time tracking of beneficiaries, and improved the accuracy and quality of nutrition services. It has also promoted active community participation and better monitoring of child development indicators.
According to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the digitization of Anganwadi centres under Mission Poshan 2.0 is making nutrition services more transparent, efficient, and beneficiary-centric. The initiative is proving to be a significant step toward strengthening child development and securing women’s nutritional rights across the country.