Children’s Health And Happiness Are True Markers Of Development: Minister Seethakka

Telangana Women and Child Welfare Minister Danasyam Seethakka has said that the true foundation of development lies in children’s health, nutrition and a joyful childhood , stressing that early care and learning are central to building a strong future generation.

She inaugurated a new Anganwadi-cum-Day Care (crèche) centre at Arundhati Nagar in the Chandrayangutta constituency of Hyderabad, marking the first such facility in the city aimed at integrated childcare and early education.

During the visit, the Minister distributed uniforms to children and interacted with them, observing their learning activities and appreciating their performance. She also participated in a small cake-cutting ceremony with children on the occasion of the birthday of Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, along with Boya Corporation Vice Chairman Boya Nagesh.

Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Seethakka said the centre will provide care, nutrition, and play-based learning for children aged between six months and three years. She noted that the model would significantly benefit working mothers by ensuring safe childcare support within their neighbourhoods, reducing their dependence on expensive private nursery facilities.

She added that integrating Anganwadi services with day care facilities under one roof would ensure comprehensive support for children from the same family , improving access to nutrition, early education, and health services in a single space.

The Minister said the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, is expanding such childcare centres across Telangana to strengthen early childhood development systems. She emphasised that the first 1,000 days of a child’s life are crucial for physical and cognitive growth, and the government is prioritising nutrition and healthcare during this period.

Officials said the Anganwadi centres are being upgraded with 57 types of play materials , uniforms, and structured pre-school education modules to make them comparable with private nursery standards.

The Minister also highlighted the government’s broader women empowerment initiatives, including interest-free loans for self-help groups , stating that the aim is to ensure a secure childhood for every child and financial assurance for every mother.