Bhubaneswar: The Women and Child Development Department of Odisha marked the launch of State-Level Nutrition Month-2024 with a celebration at the State Women and Child Institute in Bhubaneswar on Monday.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who joined the event as the chief guest, emphasized the vital role played by grassroots workers in the fight against malnutrition.
According to an official press release, Parida hailed these workers as “warriors of the nutrition campaign,” stressing the need for sincere efforts in raising awareness and combating malnutrition in villages across Odisha.
In her address, Parida called for a district-level framework to tackle nutritional challenges, urging special attention to the causes and prevention of malnutrition at the local level. She highlighted the importance of promoting regional food diversity as a key component of nutritional programs.
Parida also praised the successful implementation of the ‘Subhadra’ scheme by grassroots workers, affirming that any form of aggression against these workers would not be tolerated.
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. 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, emphasized the crucial role of mothers and family members in child rearing and urged coordination between various departments to achieve a malnutrition-free Odisha.
The event saw participation from Finance Adviser and Special Secretary Shubhashree Naik, along with Anganwadi workers from different districts, Child Development Project Officers, and District Child Welfare Officers.
