Yogi Adityanath launches ‘Hot Cooked Meal Scheme’ for kids aged 3 to 6
In his address, the UP chief minister highlighted the initiative to provide hot meals with diverse menus on different days, following the mid-day meal model, that will progress with the mutual coordination among various departments.
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CM Yogi Adityanath serves food to children during the launch of ‘Hot Cooked Meal Scheme’ in Ayodhya on Friday. (Express File Photo)Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday launched the ‘Hot Cooked Meal Scheme’ for children aged 3 to 6 years at a Composite School in Ayodhya, noting that “well-nourished and healthy children will become the basis of a strong India”.
On the occasion, the chief minister also said that Ramlala will be placed in his own temple after 500 years on January 22. Before this historic occasion, the work of providing nutritious meals, on the lines of mid-day meals, to children aged 3 to 6 years in the state began from Ayodhya, signifying an auspicious beginning, he said.
The chief minister also enquired about the progress in the construction of the Ram Temple and members of the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust provided updates on the construction work to him.
Adityanath also laid the foundation stones of 3,401 Anganwadi centres in 35 districts at a cost of Rs 403 crore. Additionally, he inaugurated a transit hostel for police personnel at Ayodhya Reserve Police Lines.
In his address, the chief minister highlighted the initiative to provide hot meals with diverse menus on different days, following the mid-day meal model, that will progress with the mutual coordination among various departments.
Drawing attention to the successful eradication of encephalitis in eastern Uttar Pradesh, the chief minister said, “Due to inter-departmental coordination, we were able to control the disease, which claimed the lives of 50,000 children in 40 years, within four years. Therefore, it becomes essential that the work on the schemes be done through inter-departmental coordination, which can lead to better outcomes.”
The chief minister said 1.90 lakh Anganwadi centres are operating in the state with more than two crore beneficiaries registered. “These centres provide six types of services. For the first time in the state, the auspicious work of providing hot cooked meals to 80 lakh children aged 3 to 6 years is being started,” he said.
Addressing Anganwadi workers and helpers present at the programme, the chief minister said, “Children are the form of God. You are fortunate because, like Yashoda Ma in the Dwapara Yuga, who nurtured Lord Krishna in his childhood, you are serving and taking responsibility for the nourishment and health of hundreds of Kanhas, contributing to the basis of a strong India. It is your fortune that you have got this opportunity.”
Adityanath said there were many questions about nutrition schemes in the past. “However, significant improvements have been made in the last 6-7 years. There is improvement in the levels of anaemia among children, and notable progress has been observed in cases of underweight, height, and overall weight. There has also been a reduction in the infant mortality rate,” he said.
He further said that there is still room for further improvement, and continuous efforts are required. “Healthy children are not only the responsibility of the Women and Child Development Department but Panchayati Raj and Urban Development Department should also be involved in it,” he said.
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