On September 22, Brigadier (Dr.) BD Mishra (Retd), the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, inaugurated the Ladakh Poshan Mela 2023, which was organized by the Department of Social and Tribal Welfare of the Union Territory of Ladakh. The event took place at Eco Park and was dedicated to improving the nutritional well-being of adolescents, children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
During his address, the Lieutenant Governor commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for initiating schemes like Poshan Abhiyan, aimed at ensuring a healthier future for generations to come. He also expressed his appreciation for the selfless efforts of Anganwadi workers, who play a crucial role in nurturing and meeting the nutritional needs of children. He emphasized that Anganwadi centers serve as the second homes for young children.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed that India’s development as a nation hinges on providing nutritious food to children and expectant or nursing mothers, as this ensures the growth of a healthy society. He called for cooperation from all quarters in the endeavor to promote the health of children, particularly those in the age group of 3-6, to set them on a path of lifelong health from their early schooling days.
During the event, laptops were distributed to Anganwadi supervisors to facilitate timely data updates on the Poshan Tracker system. Additionally, monetary incentives of Rs 500 per month were provided to eligible Anganwadi workers and helpers.
Before the inauguration, the Lieutenant Governor toured stalls that showcased information on various government schemes, including the Integrated Child Development Programme, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG), and Mission Poshan 2.0. Commissioner Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare, Smt Padma Angmo, and other officials briefed the Lieutenant Governor on the supplementary nutrition provided to children and pregnant/lactating mothers. They also discussed Model Anganwadi Centers, Nomadic Anganwadi Centers, and the observance of the 6th Rashtriya Poshan Maah (National Nutrition Month) from September 1 to 30, 2023.
Tashi Dolma, the Director of the Department of Social Welfare and Tribal Affairs in the Union Territory of Ladakh, provided insights into various ongoing welfare schemes aimed at benefiting children and lactating mothers in the region.
