Jharkhand News: 159 New Anganwadi Centers to Open in 17 Districts of Jharkhand, Maximum in Godda and Pakur

Ranchi. October 03, 2025: The Government of India has approved a major initiative to strengthen child and women’s nutrition, health, and early education in Jharkhand. During the financial year 2025-26, 159 new Anganwadi centers will be established across 17 districts of the state, with Godda and Pakur set to receive the largest share.

Godda and Pakur to Host Maximum Centers

According to official approvals from the Ministry of Women and Child Development and Social Security, the 159 Anganwadi centers will be distributed across the state’s five divisions. Godda district will have 45 new centers, while Pakur will receive 43 centers. The remaining centers will be spread across other districts to ensure broader coverage.

Current Anganwadi Infrastructure in Jharkhand

Currently, Jharkhand operates 38,798 Anganwadi centers, providing vital nutrition, healthcare, and pre-school education services to children up to six years old, women, and adolescent girls. These new additions will further enhance the reach and quality of these services across the state.

Financial Allocation for Construction and Operations

The construction of the new centers will cost approximately ₹19 crore, fully funded by the central government. Additionally, annual operational and maintenance costs are estimated at ₹17 crore, with 60% borne by the center and 40% by the state government.

Anganwadi Centers Under Two Schemes

Of the 159 centers, 109 will be constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM Janman Yojana), focusing on districts with Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG). These include Pakur (43), Godda (36), Sahebganj (13), Gumla (5), Palamu (4), East Singhbhum (4), West Singhbhum (2), and Deoghar (2).

The remaining 50 centers will be established under the Dharti Aba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, targeting tribal-majority districts. This includes East Singhbhum (4), West Singhbhum (3), Gumla (3), Latehar (4), Ranchi (3), Garhwa (2), Giridih (7), Godda (9), Deoghar (4), Dumka (5), Sahebganj (2), Bokaro (1), Hazaribagh (1), Lohardaga (1), and Khunti (1).

Strengthening Nutrition, Education, and Women’s Empowerment

These new Anganwadi centers will provide integrated services, including nutritional support, health check-ups, and early childhood education. The initiative aims to empower women and adolescent girls while addressing the developmental needs of children, particularly in tribal and vulnerable regions of Jharkhand.