Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi has advised the Odisha government to organise ‘Tithi Bhojan’ and observe ‘Poshan Diwas’ in Anganwadi centres as part of efforts to strengthen nutrition initiatives across the state.
The suggestion was made during a review meeting held in Bhubaneswar with officials of the state’s Women and Child Development Department. The session was chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida.
Addressing the meeting, the Union minister emphasized that coordinated efforts between citizens and the government can significantly help eliminate malnutrition. She underlined the importance of community participation in nutrition-related programmes and highlighted the need for focused implementation at the grassroots level through Anganwadi centres.
Annapurna Devi appreciated the state government’s flagship Subhadra Yojana, noting that direct benefit transfers to women’s bank accounts ensure financial independence and empowerment. She expressed satisfaction over the positive impact of various welfare schemes being implemented in Odisha and assured full support through Centre–state coordination for their successful execution.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida reiterated that comprehensive empowerment of women and ensuring a safe future for children remain top priorities for the state government. She announced that the fourth instalment of the Subhadra scheme will be credited to beneficiaries’ accounts on March 8, coinciding with International Women’s Day. The department, she said, is working to ensure timely and transparent disbursement.
The meeting included a detailed review of programmes focused on the holistic development of women and children across three core areas—nutrition, protection and education. Officials presented updates on key schemes such as Mission Vatsalya, Ashirbad, Jashoda and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.
