Purpose of the Zonal Meeting
On July 12, 2025, Union Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi will preside over a zonal meeting in Kevadia, Gujarat. The event aims to enhance Centre–State synergy and sharpen welfare programme delivery across six states and union territories.
Participating States and Key Officials
The meeting will bring together ministers and senior officials from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Goa, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu. Minister of State Savitri Thakur and Gujarat WCD Minister Bhanuben Babariya will be in attendance 1.
Flagship Schemes on the Agenda
Discussions will focus on advancing key initiatives including Mission Shakti (women’s empowerment and safety), Mission Vatsalya (child protection services), and Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0 (nutrition and early childhood care) 2.
Tech-Driven Focus Areas
The agenda includes boosting digital tools like the Poshan Tracker and exploring emerging technologies such as face‑recognition systems (FRS) to improve monitoring, authentication, and integrated service delivery at the grassroots 3.
Sharing Best Practices
Participants will showcase state-level success stories, innovative models, and effective interventions, fostering inter-state learning and replication 4.
Community Engagement Activities
Delegates will participate in a plantation drive under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative. The itinerary also features visits to the Children’s Nutrition Park, the Statue of Unity, the Narmada Aarti ceremony, and a cultural light-and-sound show 5.
Why This Meet Matters
This zonal meeting aligns with the Ministry’s vision for a “Viksit Bharat.” It enhances cooperative federalism and ensures seamless implementation of welfare schemes through shared technology-driven strategies 6.
Trivia
- Zonal councils (e.g., Western Council) were set up by the 1956 States Reorganisation Act to promote inter-state cooperation 7.
- WCD Minister Annapurna Devi and MoS Savitri Thakur lead the Union-level ministry.
- “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” promotes environmental action linking tree plantation with maternal symbolism.
Conclusion
By integrating technology, policy coordination, and grassroots engagement, the Kevadia zonal meeting is poised to reinforce women’s and child development outcomes across central and western India.
Source: The Week