Minister Tinklu Roy stresses importance of early childhood development

Agartala, Sep 19, 2024, By Our Correspondent

Agartala, Sept 19:  The state government of Tripura is dedicated to ensuring the healthy growth and development of its children, as emphasized by Social Welfare and Mass Education Minister Tinklu Roy during the inauguration of the 7th National Nutrition Month in Agartala.

Minister Roy highlighted the importance of a child’s early years for their overall development. To address malnutrition and anemia among children, the department has launched several initiatives. “If our children grow up healthy and strong from childhood, our society, state, and country will become stronger. Because children are the future of our nation,” he stated.

National Nutrition Month, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, is observed annually from September 1st to 30th. This year’s theme focuses on anemia, growth monitoring, complementary feeding, and overall nutrition.

The minister underscored the role of Anganwadi centers in child development. The state government is enhancing these centers by providing facilities such as clean drinking water, toilets, and play areas.

Roy mentioned that the state government is supporting nearly 4 lakh beneficiaries through 3 national and 30 state-level social welfare schemes. Additionally, over 30,000 differently-abled individuals have received UDID cards.

Drawing inspiration from Shital Devi, a differently-abled athlete from Kashmir who won gold and silver medals in the Para Asian Games and a bronze medal at the Paris Paralympics, Roy emphasized the power of determination.

During the event, Roy virtually inaugurated 10 Anganwadi centers renovated by HDFC Bank.

Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor Deepak Majumdar commended the efforts of the Social Welfare Department in reaching out to pregnant women and children with various government schemes.