Bhubaneswar, September 29: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday participated in the state-level event to celebrate "Angan Ka Utsav" and 9th Rashtriya POSHAN Maah-2026 in Bhubaneswar and reiterated the Government’s commitment to building a well-nourished State, stressing the need for greater family participation in improving the nutritional health of women and children.
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Attending the State-level “Angan Ka Utsav” programme at a Anganwadi centre at Baramunda here, Majhi stressed that both women and men in families should play an active role in ensuring proper nutrition and development of children.
He said more than 46 lakh programmes had been successfully conducted across Odisha during the Poshan Month across the State. He also stated that Odisha had secured the top position in the country in Aadhaar verification.
Highlighting the importance of the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, the Chief Minister called for greater involvement of fathers and other family members in childcare and upbringing.
Majhi credited Anganwadi workers, helpers, ANMs and ASHA workers for their grassroots-level services, particularly in increasing child immunisation and institutional deliveries and contributing to a reduction in infant and maternal mortality in the state.
The Chief Minister said Odisha had earlier recorded among the country’s highest infant and maternal mortality rates, but the State had now reached a satisfactory position on both indicators.
Speaking about women’s empowerment, he highlighted Government initiatives including Subhadra Yojana, Lakhyapati Didi, Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana and Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangal Yojana. He said at least 40 per cent of the State Government’s total budget was being meant for women.
Highlighting free education and healthcare initiatives, Majhi said, “Education up to the postgraduate (PG) level has been made fee-free in Government and Government-aided institutions. Girl children would receive Rs 1 lakh financial assistance after completing graduation.”
In the healthcare sector, he highlighted the Ayushman Bharat–Gopabandhu Jana Arogya Yojana, under which cashless treatment was being provided at selected private hospitals across the country.
During the programme, the Chief Minister distributed school kits to Anganwadi children and felicitated fathers who participated in healthy-food presentations. Anganwadi workers, helpers and ASHA workers were also felicitated.
Majhi visited the Anganwadi centre and inspected the quality of the ‘Triranga Thali’ and hot cooked meals. He also served food to the children.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, Women and Child Development Department Secretary Dr. Mrinalini Darswal, Director Monisha Banerjee, along with Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, children, parents and other dignitaries, attended the programme.
