In a significant effort to combat malnutrition, the Odisha government has made nutrition awareness a top priority in its development agenda.
During the State Level Poshan Pakwada celebration at the State Institute for Women and Child Development (SIWC), Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi highlighted the crucial role of community engagement in the success of the Poshan Abhiyan initiative.
At the event, the Chief Minister inaugurated a new hostel with 84 beds, as well as a library hall and an Anganwadi training center at the State Women and Child Development Institute in Laxmisagar-Jharpada.
To honour the remarkable contributions of women in Odisha, the Chief Minister announced that several buildings within the institute would be named after distinguished female figures. These include:
- Sarala Devi Auditorium
- Kamala Pujari Library
- Saliabala Das Training Room (Anganwadi Training Center)
- Malati Chaudhury Residence (New Hostel)
- Bangara Devi Residence (Anganwadi Worker Hostel)
- Gurubari Jani Guest House
- Ramadevi Conference Hall
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Majhi introduced the Odisha Pushti Mission, which is backed by a grant of ₹100 crore aimed at enhancing nutrition initiatives. Additionally, the Poshan Abhiyan has been allocated ₹284 crore to ensure access to healthy food for women and children.
The assistance amount under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana for families with two girl children has also been increased from ₹10,000 to ₹12,000, emphasising the government’s focus on child welfare.
Development Commissioner Anu Garg highlighted the connection between poverty reduction and improved nutrition, outlining the goal of achieving zero malnutrition by 2036 to build a prosperous Odisha.
To honour outstanding contributions, the Chief Minister presented awards to District Social Welfare Officers from Puri, Kendrapara, and Bhadrak for their efforts in enhancing nutrition standards. Representatives from Keonjhar, Bolangir, Koraput, and Malkangiri shared insights into grassroots progress.
Deputy Chief Minister Parvati Parida, who also serves as the Women and Child Development Minister, stressed the need to strengthen Anganwadi centres and urged local workers to bring their challenges to the government’s attention.
The event featured a welcome address by Shubha Sharma, Principal Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Monisha Banerjee, Director of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).
