Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday stated that proper upbringing during childhood is essential for empowered youth and future nation-builders and emphasised that every child receives quality education and nutrition during their growing years.
Addressing the programme held at the state capital to mark National Nutrition Month, Yogi said, “Health and education are fundamental to the development and growth of any country, hence, it is extremely important that every child during growing years receives quality education and proper nutrition as proper care during childhood leads to empowered youth and capable future nation-builders.”
The CM on the occasion launched as many as 700 Anganwadi centers, out of which the foundation stone for about 199 centers were laid while about 501 centers were inaugurated.
In addition, ‘Sahyog’ and ‘Bal Pitara’ mobile apps were launched. The CM also launched a nutrition manual titled ‘Saksham’ for anganwadi workers and ‘Sashakt Anganwadi’ booklet as well as commenced programme ‘Dular’ for children up to six years of age in the state.
Maintaining that the state government has worked dedicatedly to ensure all-round development of children, adolescents and youth, the CM said, “After taking charge as the Chief Minister in 2017, it was a challenge 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 said in terms of anemia, UP has fared better than the national average and, today, is progressing in ensuring healthy childhood of infants resulting in decreased infant mortality rate and maternal mortality rate over the years.
“Before 2017, many Anganwadi centers did not have their own premises, identifying these, over 21,700 Anganwadi centers now have their own buildings,” he said.
The CM also stressed the need for increasing use of technology for better functioning of Anganwadi centers. “Anganwadi workers played a decisive role in the fight against Covid-19 and their contribution is unparalleled. We must collectively contribute to strengthening Anganwadi centers which are home to about 1.70 crore children for their proper upbringing. Technology must be utilised efficiently for more progress,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to PM Modi for making the programme of National Nutrition Month a national-level programme and to Governor Anandiben Patel for successfully carrying forward the process of adoption of Anganwadi centers.
Mentioning that a health centre or an Anganwadi centre is among the first places to visit while being on a tour to any district, Yogi said, “visiting a health center, anganwadi center or a primary school whenever I visit any district are always my priorities as an educated and healthy person contributes to a strong nation.”
He said had the Covid pandemic not affected the pace of the working of the government, the process of converting all the Anganwadi centers into pre-primary schools would have progressed rapidly, however, dedicated efforts are being made in this direction.
Minister for women and child development Baby Rani Maurya, Women Welfare (Minister of State) Pratibha Shukla, Durga Shankar Mishra and Anamika Singh, among other dignitaries, were present on the occasion.
