Bhubaneswar: The Women and Child Development Department of Odisha launched the State-Level Nutrition Month-2024 with a special ceremony held at the State Women and Child Institute in Bhubaneswar on Monday. The event marks the start of a month-long initiative focused on raising awareness and tackling malnutrition across the state.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who attended as the chief guest, emphasized the crucial role played by grassroots workers in combating malnutrition. In her address, Parida described these workers as “warriors of the nutrition campaign,” commending their efforts in raising awareness and providing nutritional support in villages throughout Odisha.
Parida called for the establishment of a district-level framework to address nutritional challenges, urging local authorities to focus on the causes and prevention of malnutrition. She highlighted the significance of promoting regional food diversity in nutritional programs, stating, “Promoting locally available, nutritious food will be key to our fight against malnutrition.”
During her speech, the Deputy CM also praised the successful implementation of the ‘Subhadra’ scheme, which has been instrumental in addressing malnutrition through the efforts of grassroots workers. She affirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and respect of these workers, stating that any form of aggression against them would not be tolerated.
As part of the event, Deputy CM Parida planted a guava sapling on the institute’s premises and officially launched Nutrition Month-2024 by endorsing the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, which promotes environmental sustainability alongside nutritional awareness. She also toured an exhibition showcasing educational materials, toys, and nutritious food items prepared by Anganwadi workers and helpers.
Monisha Banerjee, Director of the Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Board, spoke at the event, stressing the vital role of mothers and families in child-rearing. She called for greater coordination between various government departments to ensure the success of nutritional initiatives and work toward a malnutrition-free Odisha.
The event was attended by Finance Adviser and Special Secretary Shubhashree Naik, along with Anganwadi workers from across the state, Child Development Project Officers, and District Child Welfare Officers. Their participation highlighted the collective effort required to make meaningful progress in addressing the state’s nutritional challenges.
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