Centre felicitates MP, Chhattisgarh, Andhra
Govt will double outreach by spreading message on optimum nutrition, says Irani; gives ₹22 crore among 300 awardees
NEW DELHI: The government will double its outreach during ‘Poshan Maah’ next month by taking the message of importance of optimum nutrition to every household, women and child development minister Smriti Irani said on Friday.
Irani felicitated more than 300 awardees that included, states, districts, blocks, Anganwadi workers and helpers and distributed ₹22 crore among them. Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh were among the states to be felicitated at an event to felicitate Anganwadi workers for their contribution.
Speaking at the ceremony, Irani said there are five aspects of nutrition: First 1,000 days in the life of a child, fight against anaemia and diarrhoea, personal hygiene and knowledge of what is nutritious. “The government will double its outreach during Poshan month by taking the message of importance of these five aspects of nutrition to every household,” she said.
‘Poshan Maah’ or nutrition month, launched by the government last year, is celebrated across the country in September.
On Janmashtami, Irani drew an analogy between Yashoda and Anganwadi workers, and Kans and “evil” of malnutrition. She said she hopes Anganwadi workers would beat malnutrition in the same way Yashoda defeated Kans.
Irani said it is a common misconception that malnutrition is a problem of both rural and poor population. “Malnutrition is prevalent not only in rural and poor areas but also in urban areas of India and there is a need to spread awareness on what is healthy and nutritious food,” she said.
PM Narendra Modi’s message was also read at the occasion where he said the government firmly remains committed to provide affordable and quality health care to poor, needy and smallest sections of the society.
“Health and nutrition are the priority areas of our government. Health remains one of the key areas in our quest of building an inclusive and new India. An integral part of our vision is achieving ‘kuposhan mukt bharat’ (malnutrition-free India) by 2022,” the message read.
The initiative to present incentive awards for Poshan is an acknowledgement and appreciation of the efforts of workforce at grassroots level such as anganwadi workers and helpers, auxillary workers and nurses, among others, it added