Lucknow, Sep 5 (Representative) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath pointed out on Wednesday that improving the health of children is crucial for the prosperity of future generations and said that if the health of children improves, the generation will prosper. Starting the National Nutrition Month at Lok Bhawan, the CM emphasised the importance of child health for the nation’s future. He described malnutrition as a significant challenge for society, stressing that building a healthy society and a strong nation requires collective efforts that transcend caste, creed, and religion. He said, “We need to focus on the well-being of every child to ensure India’s development by 2047. Realisation of the dream of a developed India means happiness on every face. “During the program, Yogi compared the nurturing role of Anganwadi workers and assistants to that of Mother Yashoda, who lovingly raised Lord Krishna in the Dwapar era, urging them to care for children with the same dedication. He said that by educating children aged 3 to 5 through simple examples, Anganwadi workers could accelerate their learning. “This program of National Nutrition Month will further strengthen PM Narendra Modi’s campaign for developed India.
When the children of our state are well-nourished, India will prosper. If the children of the state develop in terms of health, so will our nation,” he said. The CM criticised the opposition for their actions during the Covid pandemic, stating that some leaders fled abroad or went on vacations. In contrast, he praised the dedication of UP’s Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, and NMs, who played a crucial role in the state’s effective pandemic management. Highlighting his government’s achievements, he said that in the last seven and a half years, the double-engine government has constructed over 18,000 Anganwadi centres across the state, with plans to complete the remaining ones soon. Reflecting on the situation before 2017, CM Yogi pointed out that thousands of children aged 1 to 15 used to succumb to encephalitis during this season, with a mortality rate of 60 percent and many survivors left with physical and mental disabilities. He said that more than 50,000 children had died from encephalitis in the state over four decades, holding previous governments accountable for these tragic losses.
However, he emphasised that under the current government’s inter-departmental coordination, UP has successfully eradicated encephalitis, marking a significant achievement in the state’s healthcare management. To achieve the vision of a well-nourished India, the ongoing Jan Abhiyan led by CM Yogi has significantly reduced malnutrition rates in UP over the past seven and a half years.During the event, Yogi presented nutritious food and gifts to three pregnant women, Kalpana, Monika, and Khushnuma. He also performed the Annaprashan ceremony for three children, Naitik, Viyansh, and Ayushi. He expressed his affection by applying tilak to the children’s foreheads and honoured the parents of children who transitioned from malnourished to well-nourished status.Yogi also inaugurated 555 Anganwadi buildings across 45 districts, funded with Rs 66 crore. He launched the ‘Bal Bhog’ portal (https://uphcm.com/hcm/) related to the Hot Cooked Meal Scheme.In a significant move, Rs 8.78 crore in insurance premiums was transferred to the bank accounts of Anganwadi workers, along with Rs 29 crore for the uniforms of Anganwadi workers and assistants.