Odisha Chief Minister Emphasizes Family Participation in Child Nutrition

Bhubaneswar, September 29 (Daily Kiran) : Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi highlighted the importance of family involvement, particularly fathers, in ensuring proper nutrition and development for children. Speaking at the state-level celebration of the 9th National Nutrition Month at the Baramunda Anganwadi center, he reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to building a well-nourished Odisha.

Majhi noted that various programs focused on nutrition are being implemented through Anganwadi centers and schools to improve the nutritional status of women and children. He stressed that the government is actively involving entire families, including men, in efforts to enhance child nutrition.

“Through awareness of different programs and their successful implementation, we will certainly make Odisha a well-nourished state. The government is committed to this goal,” he stated.

During the Nutrition Month, over 4.6 million activities were successfully conducted across the state. Majhi also mentioned that Odisha ranked first in the country for Aadhaar verification.

Emphasizing the significance of the first 1,000 days in a child’s life, he called for active participation from both mothers and fathers in child care and nutrition. He urged citizens to contribute to creating a healthy, prosperous, and developed Odisha.

Majhi credited Anganwadi workers, helpers, ANMs, and ASHA workers for increasing child vaccination rates, promoting institutional deliveries, and significantly reducing infant and maternal mortality rates. He noted that Odisha has made substantial progress, moving from high rates of maternal and infant mortality to a more satisfactory status.

He also referenced various welfare schemes for women, including the Subhadra scheme, Lakhpati Didi, Chief Minister Kanya Marriage Scheme, and Chief Minister Kanya Sumangal Scheme, stating that at least 40% of the state’s annual budget is allocated to women.

Majhi announced that education at the postgraduate level is now free in government and government-aided institutions, and girls completing their graduation will receive ₹1 lakh. In healthcare, he mentioned that selected private hospitals across the country are providing cashless treatment under the Ayushman Bharat-Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Scheme.

During the event, Majhi distributed school kits to Anganwadi children and honored fathers who participated in a healthy food presentation. He also recognized the contributions of Anganwadi workers, helpers, and ASHA workers. The Chief Minister inspected the ‘Tiranga Thali’ served at the Anganwadi center and personally served food to the children.

The program was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, local MLA Babu Singh from Ekama-Bhubaneswar, senior officials, Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, children, and their parents.