Jaipur, Aug. 6 -- Chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Tuesday said that anganwadi centres serve as the foundation of values in society, playing a vital role in shaping the early years of children. Addressing an event, he said a child's first teacher is the mother, and the second are the women working in Anganwadis, who not only distribute nutrition but also contribute to building a strong and healthy future generation. He emphasised that the empowerment of women is essential for the strength of the state and the nation. "Our government is committed to creating a safe, progressive, and women-empowered Rajasthan," he said. During the event, the Chief Minister also administered a 'nutrition pledge' to Anganwadi workers as part of the Suposhit Rajasthan initiative. Addressing the 'Chief Minister Sang Raksha Bandhan - Anganwadi Worker Felicitation Ceremony' on Tuesday, he said that Anganwadi workers are playing a crucial role in improving the lives of women and children in the state by ensuring their health, nutrition, and access to quality services. Extending advance Raksha Bandhan greetings to all the women, he said that women are truly embodying the spirit of 'Nari Tu Narayani', fulfilling the roles of sisters, wives, mothers, and caregivers with dedication. Whether in rural or urban settings, women are the driving force behind the progress of families. At the ceremony, the CM had rakhis tied by Anganwadi workers, along with Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari and Minister of State for Women and Child Development Manju Baghmar. Women applied tilak, tied rakhi on his wrist, and offered coconuts as a traditional gesture. As a Raksha Bandhan gift, the Chief Minister transferred Rs.501 each to 1.21 lakh Anganwadi workers across the state via DBT. He also gifted them umbrellas and sweets. Sharma said, "The rakhi tied on my wrist by these sisters is my shield of protection. I pledge to ensure the safety and dignity of all my sisters." The chief minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state's double-engine government is working with a vision of service, security, and empowerment. He stated that the honorarium for Anganwadi workers, Anganwadi helpers, and Sathins has been increased by 10% each in the years 2024 and 2025. He added that the government has taken several decisions, including opening 1,000 new Anganwadi centers in the state, developing 2,365 model Anganwadi centers, enhancing basic facilities at existing centers, and approving Rs.50 crore for their renovation. The CM informed that through Anganwadi centers, around 40 lakh women and children in the state are being provided with micronutrient-fortified supplementary nutrition. Additionally, the Mukhyamantri Amrit Aahar Yojana has been implemented to provide hot sweetened milk five days a week to children aged 3 to 6 years attending Anganwadi centers. The chief minister said that continuous decisions are being taken in the state for women empowerment. Under the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, 1.82 million women have been trained, out of which 925,000 have become Lakhpati Didis. Several schemes and innovations have been launched to support women, including LPG cylinders at Rs.450, free sonography under the Ma Voucher Yojana, savings bonds worth Rs.1.5 lakh each for 246,000 girls under the Lado Protsahan Yojana, distribution of scooters to nearly 33,000 girls, and over 10.5 lakh bicycles. He added that prioritising women's safety, initiatives like the Kalika Patrolling Unit, three all-women battalions, 65 Anti-Romeo Squads, and Women Safety and Counseling Centers at police stations have been implemented across the state....