Exploring PANKHUDI: A Digital Gateway for Women and Child Development

Introduction to PANKHUDI

The Government of India is committed to enhancing the welfare and empowerment of women and children. In pursuit of this goal, the Ministry of Women and Child Development launched PANKHUDI, a digital portal designed to connect government bodies, citizens, NGOs, and corporate contributors for collaborative social development. The portal was inaugurated on 8 January 2026 by Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi.

What is PANKHUDI?

PANKHUDI serves as a single-window digital platform, uniting individuals, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), NGOs, corporate entities, and government agencies. Its primary purpose is to facilitate structured, transparent, and accountable contributions to women and child development programs.

Objectives of the Portal

The main objectives of the PANKHUDI portal include:

• Promoting coordination and collaboration among all stakeholders.
• Supporting initiatives focused on nutrition, health, early childhood care, child welfare, protection, and women’s empowerment.
• Enabling monitoring and tracking of contributions and projects.
• Encouraging transparency and trust through technological means, as highlighted by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

How PANKHUDI Operates

Through the portal, contributors can:

• Register themselves and their organizations.
• Identify initiatives requiring support.
• Submit proposals and monitor the progress of their contributions.
• Ensure all contributions are made through non-cash modes for enhanced financial transparency.

Supporting Key Missions

PANKHUDI plays a crucial role in implementing the Ministry's flagship missions:

• Mission Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0 – Aimed at improving nutrition and early childhood care.
• Mission Vatsalya – Focused on child welfare and protection.
• Mission Shakti – Dedicated to ensuring women’s safety and empowerment.

Benefits of the PANKHUDI Portal

The portal offers numerous benefits, including:

• Facilitating easier corporate social responsibility (CSR) and partnership contributions for corporates and individuals.
• Enhancing coordination among government, NGOs, and civil society.
• Improving monitoring and accountability of various initiatives.
• Supporting over 14 lakh Anganwadi Centres, 5000 Child Care Institutions, 800 One Stop Centres, 500 Shakhi Niwas, and 400 Shakti Sadan across India.
• Leading to improved infrastructure and services for women and children nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the main purpose of the PANKHUDI portal?
Answer: PANKHUDI aims to connect various stakeholders including NGOs, corporates, and government bodies to enhance contributions toward women and child development programs.

Q2. When was PANKHUDI launched?
Answer: The PANKHUDI portal was launched on 8 January 2026 by Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi.

Q3. Who can contribute through the PANKHUDI portal?
Answer: Individuals, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), NGOs, and corporate contributors can all register and contribute through the PANKHUDI portal.

Q4. What are some key missions supported by PANKHUDI?
Answer: PANKHUDI supports several key missions, including Mission Saksham Anganwadi, Mission Vatsalya, and Mission Shakti, focusing on nutrition, child welfare, and women's empowerment.

Q5. How does PANKHUDI ensure transparency in contributions?
Answer: PANKHUDI mandates that all contributions be made through non-cash modes, thus ensuring financial transparency and accountability.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary function of the PANKHUDI portal?
A) To provide financial aid directly to beneficiaries
B) To connect stakeholders for women and child development
C) To monitor government expenditures
D) To replace existing welfare programs
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: When was the PANKHUDI portal launched?
A) 8 January 2025
B) 8 January 2026
C) 1 January 2026
D) 1 January 2025
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: Which mission focuses on women's safety and empowerment?
A) Mission Vatsalya
B) Mission Saksham Anganwadi
C) Mission Shakti
D) Mission Poshan 2.0
Correct Answer: C

Question 4: Who launched the PANKHUDI portal?
A) Prime Minister Narendra Modi
B) Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi
C) Minister of Finance
D) Minister of Health
Correct Answer: B