In a major push to strengthen nutrition programs and improve real-time monitoring, the Gujarat government has announced the distribution of 5G smartphones to over 53,000 Anganwadi workers, supervisors, and staff across the state.
The initiative, led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, aims to accelerate the state's mission to combat malnutrition and enhance the effectiveness of the Poshan Abhiyaan through digital tools.
End of Long-Standing Demands
For a long time, Anganwadi workers had been protesting over the lack of smartphones and administrative support. Recently, a crucial meeting between government representatives and Anganwadi union leaders-held at the residence of spokesperson minister Jitu Vaghani-led to a consensus.
Following the discussions, the government agreed to fulfill their demands and move towards fully digitizing Anganwadi services by providing advanced 5G smartphones.
End of Long-Standing Demands
For a long time, Anganwadi workers had been protesting over the lack of smartphones and administrative support. Recently, a crucial meeting between government representatives and Anganwadi union leaders-held at the residence of spokesperson minister Jitu Vaghani-led to a consensus.
Following the discussions, the government agreed to fulfill their demands and move towards fully digitizing Anganwadi services by providing advanced 5G smartphones.
Samsung 5G Phones with Accessories
As per a circular issued by ICDS Commissioner Dr. Ranjit Kumar Singh, a total of 55,612 smartphones will be distributed statewide. The selected model is the Samsung Galaxy A06 5G (6GB RAM, 128GB storage).
The package will also include essential accessories such as a 15W original adapter, back cover, tempered glass, and dust cover. The devices will be supplied in two phases across districts by Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation.
Transparent Distribution & Real-Time Tracking
To ensure transparency, the government has implemented strict monitoring measures. Each smartphone's IMEI number, along with the recipient's photograph, will be uploaded to the e-HRMS portal. Distribution will only be confirmed after OTP-based verification.
Deputy Director Disha Dodia has been appointed as the nodal officer for the project. With these smartphones, Anganwadi workers will be able to update data faster on the Poshan Tracker app, ensuring better delivery of welfare schemes to beneficiaries, including children and pregnant women.
This digital upgrade is expected to significantly improve efficiency, transparency, and last-mile delivery in Gujarat's nutrition programs.