Stating that proper upbringing during childhood is essential for empowered youth and future nation-builders, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Friday, emphasised that every child should receive quality education and nutrition during the growing years.
Addressing a programme held in the state capital to mark National Nutrition Month, Yogi Adityanath said that health and education were fundamental to the development and growth of any country, hence it was extremely important that every child, during growing years, received quality education and proper nutrition as proper care during childhood leads to empowered youth and capable future nation-builders.
The chief minister on the occasion launched 700 Anganwadi centres, out of which the foundation stones of about 199 centres were laid while about 501 centres were inaugurated. In addition, ‘Sahyog’ and ‘Bal Pitara’ Mobile applications were launched.
The chief minister also launched a nutrition manual titled ‘Saksham’ for Anganwadi workers and ‘Sashakt Anganwadi’ booklet and started the ‘Dular’ programme for children up to 6 years of age in the state.
Maintaining that the state government has worked dedicatedly to ensure all-round development of children, adolescents and youth, Yogi Adityanath said, “After taking charge as the chief minister in 2017, it was a challenge for me to improve UP’s condition in terms of women and child health. As a result of various initiatives undertaken, UP has shown significant progress and has improved its ranking in the National Family Health Survey (NFHS).”
He went on to say that in terms of anemia, UP had fared better than the national average and today it was progressing in ensuring healthy childhood of infants, resulting in decreased infant mortality and maternal mortality rates over the years.
“Before 2017, many Anganwadi centres did not have their own premises. Today over 21,700 Anganwadi centres have their own buildings,” he said.
The chief minister also stressed the need for increasing use of technology for better functioning of Anganwadi centres, saying, “Anganwadi workers played a decisive role in the fight against COVID-19 and their contribution is unparalleled. We must collectively contribute to strengthening Anganwadi centres, which are home to about 1.70 crore children for their proper upbringing. Technology must be utilised efficiently for more progress.”
He also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making National Nutrition Month a national-level programme and to Governor Anandiben Patel for successfully carrying forward the process of adoption of Anganwadi centres.
Mentioning that a health centre or an Anganwadi centre was among the first places he visited while on tour to any district, Yogi said, “Visiting a health centre, Anganwadi centre or a primary school whenever I visit any district is always my priority as educated and healthy person contribute to a strong nation.”
He further said that had the COVID-19 pandemic not affected the pace of the working of the government, the process of converting all the Anganwadi centres into pre-primary schools would have progressed rapidly, but dedicated efforts were being made in this direction.
Women and Child Development Minister Baby Rani Maurya, Minister of State for Women Welfare Pratibha Shukla, Durga Shankar Misra and Anamika Singh, among other dignitaries, were present on the occasion.