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New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Central team evaluates execution of schemes in Andhra Pradesh
VISAKHAPATNAM: A seven-member delegation from the Ministry of Panchayat Raj, Government of India, visited various villages in Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district on Saturday to assess the implementation of government schemes and the functioning of Grama Sabhas. The team, led by Joint Secretary Mukta Sekhar, visited Paderu and Araku Valley mandals. During their field inspection, the officials evaluated the delivery of public services, village-level planning through Grama Sabhas, and the availability of basic infrastructure. At Minumuluru village in Paderu mandal, the team met local coffee and pepper farmers to understand their economic conditions, challenges in cultivation, and concerns related to Minimum Support Prices (MSP). On the occasion, Mukta Shekhar emphasised the role of village resolutions (Grama Sanhas) in formulating effective development plans tailored to local needs. The team also visited a camp organised by the Women and Child Welfare Department in the village, where they observed traditional community programmes such as Seemantham and Annaprasana. They reviewed the process of pension distribution and enquired about the practice of cash disbursement. ASR Joint Collector Dr MJ Abhishek Gowda explained that due to limited banking facilities in the region and the remote location of many beneficiaries, pensions are being provided in cash to ensure accessibility. He added that the process is monitored through the IVRS system to maintain transparency and prevent irregularities. The team also visited Sunkarametta village in Araku mandal, where they held interactions with residents and gathered feedback on local governance.
Hans India
11-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
‘Chinnari Arogyam' launched for Child Health in East Godavari
Rajamahendravaram: Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh participated as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the 'Chinnari Arogyam' programme held at the Sri Venkateswara Anam Kala Kendram in Rajahmundry on Saturday. The programme is being funded through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds of GAIL (India) Limited. Minister Durgesh unveiled the 'Chinnari Arogyam' poster at the event. Speaking on the occasion, the minister lauded the launch of the 'Chinnari Arogyam' programme as a commendable initiative aimed at ensuring the complete health of children who are not developing properly due to financial difficulties, lack of awareness among parents regarding nutrition, and malnutrition. He stated that this programme, the first of its kind in the state, should serve as a model for the entire state. He emphasised the need for officials to undertake programmes that raise public awareness about healthcare. He informed that efforts are underway to ensure the complete health of approximately 74,238 children aged between 6 months and 6 years in the East Godavari district. He further said that 1,438 children are suffering from various health issues and that the 'Chinnari Arogyam' programme has been initiated to create awareness among parents about their children's health and nutritional needs. The minister appreciated the program's objective of providing a special nutritious food kit to the children every month. District collector P Prasanthi stated that the 'Chinnari Arogyam' programme is an evolved version of the previously successful 'Bangaru Konda' programme implemented in the district, with the aim of implementing it more effectively. During the ceremony, the outgoing District Women and Child Welfare Officer, K Vijaya Kumari, who is retiring at the end of this month was felicitated. Additionally, a traditional Seemantham (baby shower) ceremony was conducted for pregnant women, and a graduation ceremony was held for young children. Joint collector S Chinna Ramudu highlighted that young children are falling prey to various health problems due to hereditary diseases and malnutrition. He urged the public to utilise the nutritious food provided at government Anganwadi centres and avail the health services offered at government hospitals. GAIL representatives Deputy General Manager (HR) Deevi Prabhakar, DGM K Rajan, Amravati Solutions' Anil Kumar, DMHO K Venkateswara Rao, Deputy DMHO N Vasundhara,RMC, and ICDS staff were present.
The Hindu
22-04-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
It is time to change family planning slogan to ‘Two, three, or more', says Andhra Pradesh Minister
Minister for Women Development and Child Welfare Gummidi Sandhya Rani has stated that women should have more children, considering the nation's needs. The concept of two children or one child per family is no longer valid. Participating as chief guest at the State-level 'Poshan Pakhwada–2025' at the VMRDA Children Arena, here, on Tuesday, the Minister said that the time has come to change the old family planning slogan to 'Two, three, or more'. She stated that having more than two children would not adversely impact welfare scheme beneficiaries and that an official notification has already been issued in this regard. She stated that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu aims to ensure women's health and happiness, and he has taken several measures to enhance their welfare. Mr. Naidu was sympathetic to the demands of Anganwadis and ASHA workers and had also sanctioned funds under various schemes. She called upon the field staff to work diligently and urged better coordination between Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) officials and those of the Medical and Health Departments to expand the reach of their services. Ms. Rani explained that under the 'Poshan' programme, the care of children for the first 1,000 days after birth should be given top priority. She suggested measures to prevent obesity and promote overall growth. She also said the Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) module should be implemented strictly and consistently to identify children suffering from nutritional deficiencies. She called upon parents not to discriminate between male and female children but to give them equal priority and attention. Children should be taught human values, and parents should set a good example for their children by avoiding excessive TV watching and mobile phone use. Caesarean sections were more common in urban areas, with 70% of deliveries through C-sections compared to 40% in rural areas. Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad called for developing good eating habits in children by drawing inspiration from Japan. He said that cycling and exercise were compulsory for children in Japan, and TV and mobile phones were kept out of their reach. Healthy eating habits and discipline play a crucial role in ensuring the health of children in Japan, he said. Earlier, the Minister visited the nutrition stalls, put up by the ICDS staff. She performed 'Seemantham', a traditional baby shower ceremony, for pregnant women. A. Surya Kumari, Principal Secretary, Women and Child Welfare, was present.
The Hindu
22-04-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
‘Poshan Pakhwada' held for pregnant, lactating women in Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam North MLA P. Vishnu Kumar Raju called upon pregnant women and lactating mothers to take advantage of the '1,000-day protection' programme, being organised under the aegis of the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS). The MLA was the chief guest at the 'Poshan Pakhwada' programme, held under the aegis of the ICDS Urban Project, Marripalem Sector, at Madhava Swamy Kalyana Mandapam of 51st ward, on Monday. He distributed fruits and sweets to pregnant women as part of the 'Seemantham' programme. He said that the programme was being organised to create awareness of the need for a balanced diet for the proper growth of children. Urban CDPO Ramani Kumari said that the 'Poshan Pakhwada' programme, which commenced on April 8, would continue till April 22. Marripalem Sector Supervisor J.N. Jyothi was present. Earlier, the MLA went around the stalls put up by the Anganwadis.
