In a move symbolising the government’s dedication to inclusive development, the National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development has been officially renamed the Savitribai Phule National Institute of Women and Child Development. This renaming pays tribute to Savitribai Phule—India’s trailblazing social reformer and champion of women’s rights and education. The change reflects a renewed focus on empowering women and children through tailored support and strategic interventions.
New Regional Centre in Ranchi: Expanding the Reach
A significant milestone in this transformation is the upcoming Regional Centre in Ranchi, Jharkhand, scheduled to be inaugurated on 4 July 2025. Strategically located, this centre will cater to the eastern states of Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal, ensuring that training and research support for key missions is accessible where it’s most needed.
The centre will focus on strengthening national flagship programmes such as:
- Mission Shakti
- Mission Vatsalya
- Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0
Until now, functionaries in these regions had to depend on far-off centres in Guwahati and Lucknow—often a logistical hurdle. The new centre in Ranchi will significantly improve accessibility and efficiency.
Empowering Local Functionaries
Designed to serve over seven lakh functionaries across 115 districts, the Ranchi Centre will also offer specialised programmes, including an Advanced Diploma in Child Guidance and Counselling. The goal is clear: to equip frontline workers with the skills and knowledge needed to drive transformative change at the grassroots level.
By localising training efforts, the Centre will foster region-specific solutions for women’s empowerment and child welfare—ensuring that services are both responsive and relevant.
A Boost to Flagship Missions
The decentralised model supported by the new Regional Centre will enhance the delivery and impact of critical schemes. It aims to:
- Tailor support to local challenges
- Improve utilisation of resources
- Ensure measurable outcomes in empowerment and welfare
This targeted approach is central to the government’s strategy of “leaving no woman or child behind.”
Aligned with the Vision of Viksit Bharat 2047
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, this initiative aligns with the larger national vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. The Ranchi Centre is expected to play a pivotal role in achieving this goal by nurturing a more inclusive, educated, and healthy society through well-trained and well-equipped local workforce.
National Role of Savitribai Phule National Institute
As the apex body for training, research, and capacity building in the field of women and child development, the Savitribai Phule National Institute operates key regional centres in Bangalore, Guwahati, Lucknow, Indore, and Mohali. These centres support implementation efforts through a combination of online and physical training programmes, ensuring robust and scalable delivery mechanisms nationwide.
