Minister of Education, Labour & Employment Dr. Thokchom Radheshyam said that good health is vital for a society to prosper. Many children in the country are unable to obtain a nutritious diet due to several factors. He emphasised on the significance of adequate nutrition towards ensuring a healthy nation as children are the future pillars of society.

He was speaking at the celebration of Poshan Abhiyan – 2020 (National Nutrition Mission) & Agricultural Seminar on Thursday, organised by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Imphal West ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region Manipur Centre Lamphelpat held at ICAR Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat.

Poshan Abhiyan was launched by the Government of India to overcome the problem of malnutrition by the year 2022 and it aims to provide a balanced diet. The mission was taken up by the government is to improve nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women and lactating mothers.

Dr. Thokchom Radheshyam reiterated that in the recently approved National Education Policy, 2020 the extent 10+2 structure in school education is modified with a new pedagogical and curricular restructuring of 5+3+3+4. As per the new structure, a strong base of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) from age 3 is included to ensure universal access to high-quality ECCE across the country.

He added that there is a provision to strengthen Anganwadi Centres by giving training to Anganwadi workers. The Minister lauding the contributions and efforts of the Anganwadi Workers in the State said that they have been the major driving force in developing and grooming the children.

Director, Department of Social Welfare,  Ngangom Uttam said that September month is being celebrated as Nutrition Month/Poshan Maah. The celebration will focus on identification of Severely Acute Malnourished (SAM) Children and their management and plantation of Poshan Vaatikas- Nutri gardens, along with awareness generation regarding the importance of early breastfeeding, need for good nutrition during the first 1000 days of life.

He added that during the first 1000 days nearly 80% of the brain development in children takes place, therefore, it is very important that a balanced diet is provided. He also informed that some malnourished children were identified by the Department of Social Welfare and they underwent treatment at JNIMS through the Directorate of Health Services.  He also appealed to the Anganwadi workers and all the stakeholders to identify children suffering from malnourishment so that they can be cured timely.  Joint Director, ICAR, Dr. I Meghachandra Singh, PC, KVK Imphal West, Kh. Heera Singh, officials concerned, Anganwadi workers attended the celebration. During the celebration, vegetable seeds were distributed. A technical session to create awareness on Nutri-Thali, Nutritional Garden and Biofortified Varieties in Nutrition was also conducted.