Bhubaneswar, Sept. 29 (UDN): Odisha is stepping up efforts to improve the nutritional well-being of women and children, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stressing the need for stronger family participation in childcare and nutrition to realise the vision of a ‘Suposhit Odisha’.
Pic Credit: x.com/PravatiPOdisha
Addressing the state-level celebration of ‘Angan Ka Utsav’ and the ninth Rashtriya Poshan Maah at an Anganwadi Centre in Baramunda on Tuesday, Majhi said a range of programmes were being implemented through Anganwadi centres and schools to improve nutrition and health outcomes.
CM Calls For Greater Family Participation
Majhi emphasised the significance of the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, calling for active involvement of fathers and other family members alongside mothers in ensuring proper nutrition, care and development.
“Through greater awareness and effective implementation of these programmes, Odisha will certainly emerge as a well-nourished state,” the Chief Minister said.
He said more than 46 lakh activities were carried out across Odisha during Poshan Maah and claimed that the state had secured the first position nationally in Aadhaar verification.
Frontline Workers Credited For Health Gains
The Chief Minister praised Anganwadi workers and helpers, auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) and ASHA workers for their contribution to improving healthcare indicators in the state.
According to Majhi, their grassroots-level efforts have contributed to higher child immunisation coverage, increased institutional deliveries and a significant reduction in infant and maternal mortality.
He said Odisha, which was earlier among the states with the second-highest infant and maternal mortality rates, has now reached a satisfactory position on both indicators.
Women-Centric Schemes Highlighted
Majhi said the welfare and empowerment of women remain central to the state’s development agenda, noting that women constitute half of society.
He highlighted initiatives including Subhadra Yojana, Lakhpati Didi, Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana and Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangla Yojana.
The Chief Minister said at least 40 per cent of the State Government’s total budget is being spent on women.
He also said quality education and healthcare have been made completely free in the state. Education up to the postgraduate level, he said, is fee-free in government and government-aided educational institutions.
Girl children covered under the relevant government initiative will receive financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh after completing graduation, Majhi said.
Free Healthcare And Nutrition Initiatives
In the healthcare sector, Majhi said cashless treatment facilities are being provided at selected private hospitals across the country under the Ayushman Bharat-Gopabandhu Jana Arogya Yojana.
During the event, he distributed school kits to Anganwadi children and felicitated fathers who participated in showcasing healthy food.
Anganwadi workers, helpers and ASHA workers were also felicitated for their services.
CM Reviews Anganwadi Meals
Majhi visited the Anganwadi Centre and reviewed the quality of the ‘Tiranga Thali’ and hot cooked meals being served to children. He also served food to the children during the programme.
Deputy Chief Minister and Women and Child Development Minister Pravati Parida, Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department Dr Mrinalini Darswal, Department Director Monisha Banerjee, along with other officials, Anganwadi workers, helpers, ASHA workers, children and parents attended the event.
The Chief Minister called upon citizens to support the government’s efforts towards building a healthier Odisha and reiterated his administration’s commitment to achieving the goal of a ‘Suposhit Odisha’.