Matsya Pranee Samavesh Odisha Showcases Nutritional Development Programs for Women and Children

Bhubaneswar: The Department of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development (ARD) of Odisha is organizing “Matsya Pranee Samavesh Odisha” from February 16 to 18. As part of this event, the Department of Women and Child Development has set up a dedicated stall to raise awareness about the nutritional development programs and schemes for women and children in the state.

The primary objective of this stall is to disseminate information about the services offered under the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS). It showcases Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials highlighting various nutrition interventions of the department, including the Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP), Mukhyamantri Sampoorna Pusti Yojana (MSPY), Mamata, and pre-school education. Teaching and learning materials, developed by the State Institute for Women and Children, are also on display to promote the use of age-appropriate educational tools for children.

In an effort to encourage dietary diversity, the stall features recipe demonstrations, promoting the use of Chhatua provided under SNP and other locally available food items.

The Department of Women and Child Development in the Odisha Government prioritizes nutritional supplements for women, adolescents, youth, and children across the state. Under the Mukhyamnatri Sampoorna Pusti Yojana, Kishori Melas are organized to enhance the health, education, and nutrition of young girls, coupled with life skills training. Additionally, through the Pada Pusti program, hot meals are provided to children in remote and tribal areas in their Padas and villages.

The stall serves as a platform to create awareness about these programs and initiatives, ensuring that the nutritional needs of pregnant women and mothers are met. Notably, the assistance amount under the Mamata Yojana has been doubled, with the new scheme disbursing the assistance amount in two installments directly into the beneficiary’s deposit account. The stall aims to empower communities with information about these crucial programs that contribute to the well-being of women and children in Odisha.