Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smt. Annpurna Devi and Minister of State Smt. Savitri Thakur chaired a review meeting on June 15, 2026, to assess the activities and training programs of the Savitribai Phule National Institute of Women and Child Development (SPNIWCD) at its Western Regional Centre in Indore. The meeting was attended by Member of Parliament Shri Shankar Lalwani, Additional Secretary and Institute Director Shri Valeti Premchand, senior ministry officials, and regional centre staff.
The program began with a plantation drive under the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign, where five saplings (Banyan, Peepal, Bael, Ashoka, and Amla) were planted in accordance with the Panchvati concept.
During the review, Shri Valeti Premchand presented comprehensive details about the centre's regular training programs, research studies, and activities of the Child Guidance Centre. He announced that the Advanced Diploma in Child Guidance and Counselling (ADCGC) program, conducted in collaboration with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University of Social Sciences, will commence in July 2026 and has been recognized by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI).
Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi emphasized the ministry's work toward the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision through flagship schemes including Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0, Mission Shakti, and Mission Vatsalya. She advised obtaining regular feedback from training participants across various states and districts to assess outreach, effectiveness, beneficiary benefits, implementation challenges, and areas requiring improvement. The minister noted that psychosocial counselling services are needed in every school and community, and the ADCGC course will help create trained counsellors for children's mental and emotional development. She also stressed the need for wider publicity of the Child Guidance Centre's services to enhance outreach and beneficiary access.
The ministers interacted with participants of the "Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi" State Level Master Trainers Round-II Training Programme from Maharashtra and appreciated Champion Anganwadi Workers. They also engaged with Sakhi One Stop Centre trainees from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh, discussing violence against women cases and support services provided through the centres. The Union Minister encouraged effective utilization of training knowledge and skills in grassroots implementation of ministry schemes to maximize benefits for women and children.
The Union Minister expressed confidence in the institute's continued significant contributions to women and child development and appreciated the dedication of officers, faculty, and staff.