Kanpur: Governor Anandiben Patel launched the Nutrition Festival and viewed the exhibition stalls at the Anganwadi Centre in Girls' Upper Primary School, Bairi Akbarpur on Friday. During her visit, she oversaw the distribution of equipment kits to 10 Anganwadi centres and fruit distribution to children. The event was attended by DM Rakesh Kumar Singh, Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University VC Vinay Pathak, Chief Development Officer (CDO) Deeksha Jain, JK Group director Vedang Hari Singhania, and other officials.
The programme featured performances by Anganwadi children Ayaz, Myra, Naira, and Ananya, followed by testimonials from parents whose children overcame malnutrition. The DM explained that Integrated Child Development Services provide comprehensive support to children aged 0-6 years, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and adolescent girls through Anganwadi centres, with multi-departmental collaboration. Kanpur Nagar district operates 2,134 such centres.
The district currently serves 106,360 children aged 6 months to 3 years and 68,713 children aged 3 to 6 years. Furthermore, 15,462 pregnant women and 12,984 lactating mothers are registered beneficiaries receiving services from the child development department. Under the governor's guidance, 338 Anganwadi centres received equipment kits, with 10 more centres receiving kits today. Plans are underway to equip all centres through village panchayats and CSR initiatives.
The governor launched the ‘Nutrition Festival', which will be conducted at a minimum of two Anganwadi centres in each village panchayat and urban area monthly to promote nutritional awareness. In her speech, she acknowledged JK Group's contribution of equipment kits to 10 centres and noted increased attendance at equipped centres. She highlighted that child development services aim to ensure proper child development, reduce malnutrition, decrease mortality rates, and educate mothers about health and nutrition.
She emphasised the importance of equal opportunities for both sons and daughters across all sectors to achieve social progress and empowerment. CDO Deeksha Jain delivered closing remarks.