A delegation from UNICEF India called on Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai at Mahanadi Bhawan, appreciating the state government’s efforts to transform Chhattisgarh into a developed state. The delegation assured technical support to strengthen the government’s developmental roadmap under Anjor Vision 2047.
Welcoming the gesture, Mr. Sai said UNICEF has made impactful contributions worldwide for public welfare, and Chhattisgarh will greatly benefit from its expertise. He briefed the delegation on state priorities under the Anjor Vision 2047 document, which aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for building a developed India by 2047.
UNICEF Praises Nutrition and Women Empowerment Efforts
UNICEF India’s Field Services Chief Ms. Soledad Herrero commended Chhattisgarh’s nutrition programs and described the Mahtari Vandan Yojana as a transformative step for women empowerment. She also highlighted UNICEF’s support to the Hamari Swasth Laika initiative in Chhattisgarh, which has produced positive results and is being replicated by states such as Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Odisha.
Focus on Tribal Upliftment and Social Development
Chief Minister Mr. Sai emphasised that the upliftment of the tribal community, especially Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), is among the government’s top priorities under Anjor Vision 2047. He said UNICEF’s support would be crucial in improving health and nutrition indicators, reducing infant mortality, and tackling malnutrition. He also underlined the importance of strengthening health and education to empower adolescent girls.
Strengthening Partnership for Future Goals
During the discussions, both sides explored opportunities for long-term collaboration in public health, nutrition, education, and women empowerment. Mr. Sai expressed confidence that with UNICEF’s technical expertise, Chhattisgarh will move closer to its vision of becoming a developed state by 2047.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. Subodh Kumar Singh (1997-batch IAS officer), Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. Rahul Bhagat (2005-batch IAS officer), Women and Child Development Secretary Ms. Shammi Abidi (2007-batch IAS officer), Health Secretary Mr. Amit Kataria (2004-batch IAS officer), Chief of UNICEF Chhattisgarh Mr. William Hanlon Jr., and Dr. Bal Paritosh Das.
