At a high-level meeting held at the Mahanadi Bhavan, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai assessed the progress and implementation of the Women and Child Development Department’s initiatives. He provided crucial instructions to the officials present, focusing on the importance of district-wise monitoring of women and child-focused programs. A detailed review of these programs will be conducted during the upcoming Collector’s Conference.
During the review, the Chief Minister examined the infrastructure, budget, and operational details of the Women and Child Development Department. He highlighted the department’s vital role in ensuring the nutrition and safety of children, adolescents, and women. He stressed that the more attentive and efficient the care and nutrition of young children, the more effectively their physical and mental development will be supported.
CM Sai highlighted that children are the future of the nation and therefore, collective participation is essential in strengthening their foundation. He directed the departmental staff to work proactively and with self-initiative on the ground level. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that every child in the state benefits from supplementary nutrition and other departmental schemes.
He discussed the distribution of nutritious food and hot meals within Anganwadi centers, including the quantity, quality, and calorie standards, and stressed the need for continuous monitoring of the distribution. The Chief Minister also inquired about the operation of 197 Anganwadi centers under the PM Janman Yojana. He instructed the officials to work with sensitivity and commitment towards the overall development of children belonging to the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) community.
Reviewing the crucial indicators related to child nutrition, Chief Minister Sai urged for concrete efforts to improve the current status. He stated that the indicators help assess the actual situation and that where any deficiencies are found, immediate corrective steps should be taken. He acknowledged the improved performance of the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and directed to maintain its progress. He also highlighted that small actions and behaviors can greatly impact the mental development of children, and therefore, Anganwadi workers should develop an emotional connection with the children while being sensitive.
The Chief Minister called for the regular training of departmental staff, ensuring they are technically proficient and can work with a research-oriented approach. Other topics discussed include the Bal Vivah Mukt Chhattisgarh Abhiyan, Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana, Sakhi One Stop Centre, Shakti Sadan, Women and Child Helpline, Mahila Kosh, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Mission Vatsalya, and other schemes.