– Says nutritional security to be ensured through hygienic mid-day meals and quality food in Anganwadis
• Reviews implementation of the National Food Security Act in Patiala**
Patiala, April 4:
Chairman of the Punjab State Food Commission, Bal Mukand Sharma, today underscored the importance of nutritional security and called for initiating a comprehensive nutrition campaign in Patiala district. He said that under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), it is the Commission’s mandate to ensure access to nutritious diets, especially for children, as a cornerstone of a healthy society.
Chairman Sharma chaired a meeting with Deputy Commissioner Dr. Preeti Yadav, ADC (General & Rural Development) Isha Singal, and officials from departments involved in the implementation of food and nutrition schemes. The meeting reviewed the ongoing initiatives under the NFSA in the district.
He directed the concerned officials to prepare a year-round training calendar for mid-day meal cooks and helpers to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene in food preparation.
Highlighting the importance of promoting natural nutrition, Chairman Sharma stressed that nutritional deficiencies in children cannot be addressed solely through supplements, but by encouraging the consumption of healthy food. He called for planting more Ashwagandha, Tulsi, and other medicinal plants in Poshan Vatikas across 939 primary schools and 1829 Anganwadi centres in the district.
He added that the Commission is committed to ensuring the availability of pure and nutritious food in schools and Anganwadis, and safeguarding consumer interests at ration depots.
During the meeting, the Chairman sought reports from the District Food and Supplies Controller (DFSC) on wheat distribution and grievance redressal mechanisms at ration depots. He also evaluated the implementation of nutrition-related schemes by the District Programme Officer, student health check-up procedures led by the Civil Surgeon, School Health Officer, and District Education Officer (Primary), as well as training initiatives for mid-day meal staff reviewed by the District Food Officer.
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Preeti Yadav welcomed Chairman Sharma and briefed him on the progress of various schemes in the district. Expressing satisfaction with the ongoing efforts, the Chairman urged all departments to work in coordinated synergy to achieve the goal of nutritional security in Patiala. He further announced that he would visit the district again in September to assess the progress.
