Target to develop ten thousand Anganwadis of the state as model centers

 One lakh 40 thousand children freed from malnutrition due to Chief Minister's nutrition campaign

 Raipur, 

Chief Minister Shri Bhupesh Baghel while reviewing the activities of the Women and Child Development Department at his residence office here today said that special attention needs to be paid to the health and nutrition of women and children. The Chief Minister said that for Chhattisgarh to be healthy and well-nourished, it is necessary that our Anganwadis should develop into empowered centers of health and nutrition for women and children. He directed to ensure implementation of the plan to develop ten thousand Anganwadi centers as model centers in the first phase with the cooperation of the district administration.  Women and Child Development Minister Mrs. Anila Bhendia, School Education Minister Dr. Premsai Singh Tekam, Chief Secretary Mr. Amitabh Jain, Additional Chief Secretary Mr. Subrata Sahoo, Secretary, Women and Child Development Department Mrs. Reena Baba Saheb Kangale, Director Social Welfare Mr.  P. Dayanand, Director Women and Child Development Smt. Divya Mishra and other senior officers were present.

     Chief Minister Shri Baghel directed to ensure effective implementation of Mukhyamantri Suposhan Abhiyan in the state as well as to closely monitor the quality of ready-to-eat and distribution system.  During the meeting, discussion was held about the filling up of vacant posts of Anganwadi workers and assistants.  In the meeting, Secretary Women and Child Development gave information about departmental schemes and programs through power point presentation. She informed that the state-wide event of Vazan Tyohar has started in Anganwadi centers from today on 7th July.  The nutritional level of 28 lakh children up to the age of 5 years is being assessed by taking measurements of their weight and height.  She said that the state-run nutrition campaign has yielded fruitful results.  She said that as of January 2019, 4,33,541 children were malnourished.  It has come down by 32 percent due to providing nutritious food, health facilities and regular counseling services under the Chief Minister's Nutrition Campaign. As of May 2021, 1,40,556 children have come out of malnutrition and more than 81 thousand women have been freed from anemia. She informed about the progress of Mukhyamantri Bal Sandarbh Yojana, Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana, Noni Suraksha Yojana, Suchita Yojna, Mahtari Jatan Yojna and schemes of social development & women empowerment.  She said that the women self-help groups formed under the department are progressing towards social and economic self-reliance by joining Gauthan and other activities.

     It was informed in the meeting that a total of 52,474 Anganwadi centers are operating in the state, out of which 3 thousand Anganwadi centers have been developed as model and nursery schools. This year 10 thousand Anganwadi centers are planned to be developed as model centres.  In the state, 1,620 women self-help groups are involved in the preparation of ready-to-eat and 18,460 in hot food supply work.