Renowned economist Karthik Muralidharan and CM Revanth Reddy discuss comprehensive Human Development
‘Poshan Sakhi ‘ in Anganwadi centres to distribute nutritious food to children
Hyderabad, March 26: Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has said that the State Government was taking all necessary measures to provide quality education and nutritious food to every child in the state. Renowned economist Karthik Muralidharan met with CM Revanth Reddy at Legislative Council Hall today.
During the meeting, Muralidharan drew the Chief Minister’s attention to several reports regarding nutritional deficiencies and learning outcome gaps among children aged 0 to 10 years in Telangana state. The economist also highlighted the health issues that may arise in the future due to nutritional deficiencies at a young age. They also discussed psychological distress among the students in their life if they do not receive proper instruction at the early stage. Muralidharan made some valuable suggestions to overcome all such big challenges Welcoming the economist’s advice , CM Revanth Reddy said that the government has already been paying special attention to these specific issues.
Further, the Chief Minister said that the government allocated sufficient funds to provide breakfast in schools, in addition to the midday meals. Muralidharan suggested to appoint an additional person in Anganwadi centres exclusively for the distribution of nutritious food to the children regularly. The Officials said that the additional person designated as a ‘Poshan Sakhi’ facilitates the provision of nutritious food to children in Anganwadis.
The CM directed officials to examine the feasibility of implementing Muralidharan’s suggestions on a pilot basis at all 29 schools in Core Urban Region Economy (CURE) area and also prepare a special report on this particular issue in consultation with the famous economist and submit the government.
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Women and Child Welfare minister Seethakka, Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister V. Seshadri, Secretary to the CM Manik Raj, Special Secretary to the CM Ajith Reddy, Principal Secretary of the Finance Department Sandeep Kumar Sultania, Secretary of the Education Department Yogita Rana, Secretary of the Women and Child Welfare Department Anita Ramachandran, Secretary, Planning Department Dr. Gaurav Uppal, SERP CEO Divya, Secretary to the Deputy CM Krishna Bhaskar, Director of the Women and Child Welfare Department Shruti Ojha, Director of School Education Naveen Nicholas, and OSD to the CM Vemula Srinivasulu were also present.