Shanku's biryani wish sparks nutrition policy overhaul in Kerala's Anganwadis
PATHANAMTHITTA: When little Shanku's innocent demand for 'birnani' (biryani) over upma in anganwadis went viral, few could have predicted it would spark a major shift in public nutrition policy. Thanks to Health Minister Veena George and the Women and Child Development Department, that the wish has now reshaped mealtime for thousands of children across Kerala.
In a move blending policy with empathy, the state has unveiled a revamped model food menu for anganwadis, adding popular dishes like egg biryani and pulao without compromising on nutrition. The new menu is crafted to be both tasty and health-conscious, with reduced sugar and salt and an emphasis on energy-boosting, protein-rich items essential for growing children.
Veena George officially launched the new menu during the state-level inauguration of the Anganwadi Pravesanotsavam in Pathanamthitta. The initiative marks the first unified food plan to be implemented in anganwadis across the state.
Following the viral video, the minister had promised to review the food menu, leading to consultations at various levels. The nutritious meal plan also features enhanced servings of milk and eggs, now offered three days a week instead of two.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
16 hours ago
- Hans India
Karnataka: State still struggles to curb child marriages, teenage pregnancies
Bengaluru: Despite being a state that has made rapid strides in education, technology, and social awareness, Karnataka continues to grapple with the serious social issues of child marriage and teenage pregnancies. Despite government-led awareness campaigns and strict enforcement of laws, the number of such cases continues to rise, raising alarm among policymakers and citizens alike. In the 2024–25 period alone, Karnataka reported 700 instances of child marriage. According to the Women and Child Development Department, out of 3,049 complaints received related to child marriage, officials managed to prevent 2,349. However, the fact that 700 marriages still took place despite these efforts has emerged as a significant concern for the state administration. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, during a recent two-day meeting with Deputy Commissioners and Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officers, expressed serious concern over the issue and issued strict directives to curb such practices. District-wise data reveals the spread of the issue across Karnataka. Shivamogga reported the highest number of child marriages at 79, followed closely by Belagavi with 78, which is notably the home district of Women and Child Development Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar. Other districts with a high number of reported child marriages include Chitradurga with 74, Bagalkote and Mysuru with 60 each, Mandya with 57, and Haveri with 42. Mysuru, the Chief Minister's home district, not only recorded a high number of actual cases but also saw the highest number of complaints, at 284. Authorities managed to prevent 224 of those marriages. Similarly, Mandya had 180 complaints, of which 129 were prevented. In Bengaluru Urban, out of 83 complaints, 53 marriages were stopped but 30 still took place. Districts such as Chikkaballapur, Vijayanagara, Ballari, and Chikkamagaluru each reported 11 cases. Koppal received 168 complaints, out of which 161 marriages were stopped, while 7 went ahead. Relatively fewer cases were reported in Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu, and Udupi, with 7, 7, and 6 cases respectively. Over the last four years, from 2021–22 to 2024–25, the state witnessed a total of 2,165 child marriages. The yearly breakdown shows 418 cases in 2021–22, 328 in 2022–23, 719 in 2023–24 (the first year under the current Congress government), and 700 in 2024–25. The sharp spike in the last two years has become a matter of concern, prompting the Chief Minister to sternly question officials during recent reviews. Equally alarming is the number of teenage pregnancies recorded under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. In 2024–25, Karnataka registered 3,489 POCSO cases, of which 685 involved teenage girls who became pregnant. These figures highlight not just sexual violence but the broader social neglect and vulnerability of young girls in the state. Bengaluru Urban reported the highest number of POCSO cases at 343, with 28 teenage pregnancies. Shivamogga followed with 231 cases, including 55 pregnancies. In Belagavi, 179 cases were registered, with 20 teenage pregnancies. Chikkaballapur had 170 cases and 32 pregnancies, while Mandya recorded 160 cases and 8 teenage pregnancies. Despite Karnataka's reputation as a progressive and modern state, these statistics expose the persistence of regressive social practices and highlight the urgent need for stronger enforcement, better education, and community-level engagement to protect the rights and futures of young girls.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
New lab diagnoses amoebic brain fever, a first in state
T'puram: In a significant development, the state confirmed its first case of amoebic meningoencephalitis through the newly established molecular lab in the state. Health Minister Veena George announced that the diagnosis was made as part of a dedicated effort to detect amoebic brain fever, a rare but often fatal condition. State public health lab (SPHL) earlier set up a PCR lab capable of detecting five types of amoebae known to cause brain fever in humans — Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba sp., Vermamoeba vermiformis, Balamuthia mandrillaris, and Paravahlkampfia francinae. The first confirmed detection was of Acanthamoeba, which was successfully identified and verified through this new facility. Previously, such cases were confirmed at PGI Chandigarh. With in-state confirmation now possible, the minister said it would greatly aid both treatment and research efforts. The minister further said that state has been implementing model interventions in the prevention of amoebic meningoencephalitis. Globally, the disease has a mortality rate of 97%, but Kerala reduced this to 23% through systematic efforts and timely, effective treatment. This success was achieved through structured actions and prompt care. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pinga-Pinga e HBP? Tome isso 1x ao dia se tem mais de 40 anos Portal Saúde do Homem Clique aqui Undo State also updated its action plan based on the 'One Health' approach to enhance prevention strategies against amoebae. A comprehensive action plan has been prepared to manage the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of the disease. All suspected cases of brain fever in state are now directed to undergo tests for amoebic meningoencephalitis. In addition to SPHL, the microbiology departments of Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode medical colleges will be developed as specialized centres for diagnosing the disease. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
643cr cabinet nod for organ transplant institute
T'puram: The cabinet meeting on Thursday gave administrative sanction of Rs 643.88cr (inclusive of GST) for the Kozhikode Institute of Organ and Tissue Transplant based on the detailed project report submitted by the implementing agency, said health minister Veena George. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The transplant institute is being established to bring all activities related to under one roof. It will be a specialised institution comprising trained doctors, scientists, and healthcare workers. Construction activities for the transplant institute will commence soon, and steps have already been taken to procure equipment, the minister said. The institute will facilitate treatment, education, training, research, and organ donation activities related to organ transplantation. It is designed to provide comprehensive care, from treating organ damage to transplantation surgery and rehabilitation, she added. The transplant institute will be set up on 20 acres in Chevayur, Kozhikode. It will have four blocks with six floors each, including 219 general beds, 42 special ward beds, 58 ICU beds, 83 high dependency unit (HDU) beds, 16 operation rooms, a dialysis centre, and a transplantation research centre, totalling 510 beds in a modern hospital setup. In the first phase, 330 beds and 10 operating theatres will be prepared, followed by 180 beds and six operating theatres in the second phase. The first phase will have 14 specialty departments, and the second phase will add seven more. There is a strong emphasis on education, with a target to start 31 academic courses. The centre will facilitate the transplantation of corneas, kidneys, liver, intestines, pancreas, heart, lungs, bone marrow, soft tissue, hands, and bones. Currently, organ transplant surgeries are conducted at Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, and Kozhikode medical colleges, as well as Ernakulam general hospital in the state. The govt has formed Kerala state organ and tissue transplant organization (K-SOTTO) to coordinate organ donation activities. The establishment of the transplant institute aims to set a benchmark in this field.
