Tree plantation marks Poshan drive
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Bishnupur, September 12 2021: As a part of the month long observation of Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2021, Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Zubin Irani led a plantation of medicinal plants and fruit bearing saplings at District Panchayat Resource Centre in Bishnupur today.

The Union Minister also launched an Anaemia screening camp before flagging off a Poshan cycle rally from DC Bishnupur Office Complex.

Anganwadi workers and Anganwadi helpers participated in the cycle rally.

Delivering the keynote address on the occasion, Smriti Zubin Irani said that nutrition is a concern not only for a mother or a doctor but for the economy and community as a whole.

Reiterating that the objective of Poshan Maah is to highlight that the first two years of a child's life is crucial, she said, "We can be a strong and prosperous Nation when all women and children are totally nourished and healthy.

Strong community is only possible if we can fight malnourishment together as citizens" .

Expressing gratitude that Bishnupur has stepped up Poshan initiatives, she opined that the challenges on malnutrition can be fought effectively through dedicated efforts of Anganwadi workers and helpers.

Lauding the contributions of Covid warriors of Bishnupur, Smriti Zubin Irani remarked that Anganwadi workers and helpers are no less warriors as they provide services at the doorsteps to young children, pregnant and lactating mothers even in the face of the Covid pandemic.

Later, the Union Minister flagged off Poshan Walk at INA Memorial in Moirang to spread awareness on the nutritional needs for children, pregnant women and lactating mothers.

She also paid floral tribute to the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

While interacting with Anganwadi workers and helpers at INA Moirang, the Union Minister announced that all Anganwadi workers in the State will be provided with a smartphone as growth monitoring device within three weeks from now.

Stating that the Ministry of Child and Women Development is committed to supporting all Anganwadi workers in the country, the Union Minister assured Anganwadi workers that they would no longer be overburdened with extra workloads as they are given honorarium only.

Dignitaries attending today's twin events include Rajya Sabha MP Sanajaoba Leisemba, Oinam AC MLA L Radhakishore, Moirang AC MLA P Sharatchandra, Indevar Pandey, Secretary of Women and Child Development, Government of India, N Geoffrey, Secretary of Social Welfare, Ngangom Uttam, Director, Social welfare, DC Bishnupur Krishna Kumar and other officials.

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