With the distribution of over 37,810 new smartphones, Sevikas across the state are reshaping the way health, nutrition, and early education services are delivered under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme.

“Previously, I depended on my husband’s phone or waited for a family member for help. Now, with my personal smartphone, I can independently verify beneficiaries, enter data, and ensure the prompt delivery of Take-Home Rations,” shares Sarita Kumari, an Anganwadi worker from the Sukuruhuttu center in Ranchi’s Kanke project.

The results have been swift and impressive. The percentage of Aadhaar-verified beneficiaries has jumped from 48.03% (17,44,100) in March 2023 to an astounding 97.22% (30,11,829) by March 2025. Data from 38,523 Anganwadi centers is now streaming into the state dashboard, allowing officials to monitor daily ICDS activities and make informed, data-driven decisions.

This digital transformation is curtailing service leakages, enhancing transparency, and expediting grievance resolution. What was once a sluggish, paper-based bureaucracy is evolving into an efficient governance model—driven by grassroots digital workers.

The smartphone has transcended its role as a mere communication device; it has become a vital tool for care. With real-time tracking of deliveries and attendance, Jharkhand’s Anganwadi network now ensures that services reach nearly 1,205,382 children (ages 6 months to 3 years), 174,036 pregnant women, and 128,795 lactating mothers. Additionally, 450,505 children (ages 3–6) receive regular hot cooked meals. To boost nutritional value, eggs—an important source of protein—are now being served at every Anganwadi center, supported by the state budget.

The capability to distribute health and nutrition awareness content, monitor immunization schedules, and report irregularities from remote areas is enhancing the welfare of children and mothers in remote regions.

Acknowledging the pivotal role of Anganwadi centers as community anchors, the state government is investing in the modernization of 16,775 centers with facilities such as LED TVs, RO water systems, power connections, fans, toilets, and access to safe drinking water.

“This goes beyond mere convenience; it’s about dignity and creating spaces that are friendly for both children and women,” stated an official from the Department of Women, Child Development and Social Security.

Plans are also in place to establish new centers in 1,200 tribal-majority villages, ensuring marginalized communities receive timely nutrition, health services, and preschool education. Fresh recruitment of Sevikas and Sahiyas is also part of this initiative to manage these new centers.

With smartphones in hand and community trust on their side, Anganwadi workers are evolving from mere service providers to catalysts for progress. In villages once marked by inadequate infrastructure, these women are closing the digital gap, enhancing transparency, and strengthening the connection between the government and the public.

This transformation is in line with the Abua Sarkar (“Our Government”) vision for Jharkhand—where governance not only reaches the people but empowers them to become active participants in development.

In a data-driven world, Jharkhand’s Anganwadi workers demonstrate that digital inclusion at the ground level is not just a policy goal—it’s a living reality, being crafted one tap at a time.

“As a citizen and strategic advisor to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), the entire Federation has committed to contributing to the National Defence Fund,” Irani stated to the media. “Since last year, I have refrained from accepting any pension or benefits as a former MP. Today, I dedicate these funds, which belong to the Indian treasury, to the National Defence Fund.”

In her address, she also commended CAIT’s decision to cease all trade with Turkey and Azerbaijan in response to their overt support for Pakistan. She viewed this action as a demonstration of solidarity with India’s brave soldiers.

“By boycotting these nations, CAIT is not only standing against their stance but also contributing to strengthening the Indian economy and advancing the Make in India initiative,” she emphasized.

Irani underscored the importance of small traders in fostering a self-reliant India, saying, “Today, I stand with CAIT in affirming that our small traders are vital in reinforcing our economy and are fully invested in realizing the Make in India vision.”

She praised the collective efforts of trade organizations as a gesture in support of the courageous men and women guarding India’s borders. “All trade bodies have unanimously called for this boycott, showcasing their support for those protecting our nation,” she remarked.

BJP MP and CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal added, “A unanimous decision was made at today’s trade leaders’ conference to halt all trade with Turkey and Azerbaijan due to their active support for Pakistan against India.”

The boycott will take effect immediately, halting all imports and exports with these two nations. “There will be no further import or export with Turkey and Azerbaijan. We have also asked the Indian film industry to avoid shooting films or advertisements there, and any company that disregards this request will face our boycott,” he concluded.

The leadership has decided against issuing a specific response to Sudhakaran’s statements, as there’s a consensus within the party that addressing his comments could exacerbate the situation.

K. Sudhakaran has openly expressed his disappointment over his ouster from the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), suggesting that personal agendas within the party played a significant role in the decision. During a media briefing on Thursday, he stated that he felt let down and believed that certain leaders with self-serving motives influenced the AICC regarding his removal.

“The personal interests of a few have led to my dismissal as KPCC chief. While I don’t want to make it a focal point, I cannot hide my disappointment,” he remarked. Sudhakaran voiced disagreement with the reasons given for the leadership change but refrained from elaborating further to avoid troubling specific leaders.

He also criticized AICC General Secretary in charge of Kerala, Deepa Das Munshi, claiming that she provided misleading information to justify his removal on health grounds. Sudhakaran asserted that the AICC had effectively sought to marginalize him from state politics by designating him as a permanent invitee to the Congress Working Committee (CWC).