WCD Summit: PM Modi chairs valedictory of Departmental Summit on Women
Why in the news
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the valedictory session of the two-day National Departmental Summit on Women and Child Development at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi, on 9 October 2026.
Key facts
- Format: part of a series of Departmental Summits envisioned by the PM, attended by ministers and senior officials of States and Union Territories.
- Themes: nutrition and early childhood care; child protection; women’s safety and empowerment; better service delivery through convergence.
- Anganwadi Centres: should become hubs of community participation; local families could contribute food, toys and local items on special occasions.
- Universities could adopt nearby Anganwadi Centres and carry out social-impact studies; medical students, NSS and NCC volunteers could be involved.
- Chintan Shivirs were suggested at district and municipal levels, and separately for Anganwadi Workers.
- Adolescent girls: greater attention to their health, nutrition and development.
- Women’s safety: age-appropriate modules for children on safety, dignity and empowerment.
- Vocal for Local and One District One Product (ODOP) to be promoted through women’s collectives; WCD departments asked to own the Swachhata Abhiyan.
About the summit
The summit is one of a series of Departmental Summits envisioned by the Prime Minister. This edition, dedicated to Women and Child Development, gathered ministers and senior officials of States and Union Territories, and placed Anganwadi Centres at the centre of discussions on nutrition and community participation.
Exam angle
- Venue: Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi.
- Four themes of the summit, especially nutrition and early childhood care.
- Proposal for universities to adopt Anganwadi Centres.
- ODOP and Vocal for Local linked to women’s empowerment.