CM Vishnu Deo Sai has reaffirmed the Chhattisgarh government’s commitment to the health, nutrition, and holistic development of children, stressing the need for coordinated efforts between the Women and Child Development Department and the Health Department.
Presiding over a high-level review meeting at the Secretariat Mahanadi Bhawan, the Chief Minister directed officials to ensure regular, district-wise monitoring of all women- and child-centric schemes. He also announced that a detailed evaluation of these schemes would be conducted during the upcoming Collector Conference.
Ensuring Nutrition and Early Development
Mr. Sai underlined the critical importance of early childhood care and nutrition, stating that physical and mental development in the early years lays the foundation for a bright future. He urged field staff to work with dedication, empathy, and self-motivation, ensuring that every child in the state receives adequate supplementary nutrition and benefits from departmental schemes.
In his remarks, the Chief Minister called for continuous monitoring of nutrition distribution at Anganwadi centres, covering all aspects such as hot meals, quantity, quality, and calorie standards. He also reviewed the functioning of 197 Anganwadi centres under the PM Janman Yojana, emphasizing sensitive and committed service for children from Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
Data-Driven Approach and Scheme Performance
While reviewing key nutrition indicators, Mr. Sai highlighted the importance of data-based assessments to detect gaps and take swift corrective action. He expressed satisfaction over the performance of the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and directed that this positive momentum be maintained.
He also emphasized that Anganwadi workers should nurture emotional bonds with children, as small acts of kindness and sensitivity deeply influence a child’s mental development.
Training, Coordination and Broader Review
The Chief Minister instructed that regular training be imparted to departmental staff to improve technical skills and promote result-oriented, research-based work.
Key schemes such as the Child Marriage-Free Chhattisgarh Campaign, Chief Minister Kanya Vivaah Yojana, Sakhi One Stop Center, Shakti Sadan, Women and Child Helpline, Women’s Fund, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and Mission Vatsalya were also reviewed in the meeting.
Leadership Presence
The meeting was attended by Women and Child Development Minister Ms. Laxmi Rajwade, Chief Secretary Mr. Amitabh Jain, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. Subodh Kumar Singh, Secretaries Mr. P. Dayanand and Mr. Rahul Bhagat, Department Secretary Ms. Shammi Abidi, Director Mr. P.S. Elma, and other officials and staff of the department.
The review underscores the state’s resolve to strengthen early childhood systems, ensuring that nutrition, protection, and development remain top priorities in Chhattisgarh’s policy agenda.
