Odisha Enhances Child Nutrition Support, Launches Digital Book on First 1,000 Days of Life

Odisha Deputy Chief Minister and Women & Child Development Minister Pravati Parida on Monday launched a digital book aimed at creating awareness about the importance of the first 1,000 days of a child’s life. The book was unveiled at a programme held at the conference hall of the Women and Child Development Department in Bhubaneswar.

The digital publication has been designed in Odia to help parents and caregivers understand the critical stages of a child’s development from conception to the age of two years.

Increased Nutritional Support for Severely Underweight Children

On the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister announced enhanced nutritional support for severely underweight children aged between six months and six years.

The daily cost of supplementary nutrition provided under government programmes has been increased from ₹8 to ₹12 per child. In addition, children will continue to receive ₹6 per day under the Mukhyamantri Sampoorna Pushti Yojana, taking the total nutritional support to ₹18 per child per day.

Around 35,000 severely underweight children across Odisha are expected to benefit from the initiative. The State Government will bear an additional annual expenditure of approximately ₹10.7 crore for the programme.

Higher Breakfast Allocation for Anganwadi Children

The government has also enhanced the breakfast allocation for pre-school children aged 3 to 6 years attending Anganwadi centres.

The daily breakfast allocation has been increased from ₹1.24 to ₹3.56 per child. The move will require an additional annual expenditure of approximately ₹126.83 crore from the state exchequer.

Together, both initiatives will result in an additional annual financial commitment of nearly ₹137.57 crore by the State Government.

Focus on the Critical First 1,000 Days

Addressing the gathering, Pravati Parida highlighted that the first 1,000 days of life—from conception until a child’s second birthday—are crucial for physical, cognitive, and emotional development.

She said the newly launched digital book provides simple and practical guidance on maternal and child care during this important period. The resource aims to empower families with knowledge that can contribute to healthier outcomes for both mothers and children.

Anganwadi Workers to Lead Awareness Campaign

The Minister informed that Anganwadi workers will use the digital book during home visits to educate beneficiaries about proper nutrition, healthcare, and child development practices.

The department also plans to disseminate the digital book widely through social media platforms and Anganwadi networks to ensure it reaches families across the state.

Call for Community Participation

Pravati Parida urged parents and family members to read and implement the recommendations provided in the digital book. She expressed confidence that widespread adoption of these practices would help achieve the vision of a “Healthy Mother, Healthy Child, Healthy Family” across Odisha.

Officials Attend Programme

The programme was attended by Women and Child Development Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Dr. Mrinalini Darswal, Director Monisha Banerjee, and other senior departmental officials.

District Social Welfare Officers, Child Development Project Officers, DC-Nutrition officials, and Supervisors from all districts participated virtually in the event.