Bhubaneswar: A robust monitoring and evaluation system is needed to ensure the effective implementation of the Take-Home-Ration (THR) scheme, aimed at preventing malnutrition in the state, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said here Saturday.
Reviewing various programmes of the Women and Child Development (W&CD) department at Lok Seva Bhawan, Majhi stressed the need for major improvements in the entire process, from preparation of food to packaging and distribution.
To combat malnutrition, the state is implementing several initiatives, including the Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP), the Adolescent Nutrition Scheme, and the Chief Minister’s Sampurna Pushti Yojana. Under the THR scheme, chhatua (a fortified food mix) is produced and distributed by 546 self-help groups across Odisha.
Currently, 43,92,700 beneficiaries are receiving chhatua and other nutritional supplements under different schemes, an official of the W&CD department said.
Highlighting that the health of women and children is crucial for the state’s development, the Chief Minister said these schemes must not be neglected under any circumstances.
“In a bid to ensure the effective implementation of the THR scheme in Odisha, a robust monitoring and evaluation system is the need of the hour,” Majhi said. Majhi further directed officials to ensure the construction of Anganwadi centres in areas where they lack permanent buildings, with land acquisition if necessary.
He also directed to expand the coverage of the Chief Minister’s Sampurna Pushti Yojana, complete 100 per cent construction of Anganwadi centres in DMF districts, with necessary funds to be allocated from the respective resources.
PNN
