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Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday put the spotlight on the quality of food provided to women and children under the state's Take-Home Ration (THR) scheme, stressing that no compromise can be made when it comes to their health.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

Reviewing programmes of the Women and Child Development Department, Majhi said a stronger monitoring and evaluation system was needed to make the preparation, packaging, and distribution of chhatua—the key nutritional mix given under the scheme—more effective and transparent.

"It is our duty to ensure the nutrition they receive is of the best quality," the Chief Minister said.

At present, nearly 44 lakh beneficiaries in Odisha receive chhatua and other items under various nutrition schemes. The food is produced and distributed through 546 women's self-help groups, making the initiative not just about health, but also about women's empowerment and livelihood.

The CM stressed that Anganwadi centres—where most of these programmes are anchored—must have proper buildings. For those still running in temporary or rented spaces, he asked officials to construct new facilities, even if land has to be purchased. Old centres, too, will be repaired. Special instructions were given to complete 100 per cent construction of Anganwadi houses in DMF districts with dedicated funds.

Expanding on nutrition initiatives, the Chief Minister suggested strengthening the Sampurna Pushti Yojana and ensuring doorstep food delivery under the Pada Pushti Yojana for children unable to attend Anganwadi centres.

He also recommended involving local small industries in supplying clothes and shoes for children at these centres, linking child welfare with local enterprise.

Deputy Chief Minister Parvati Parida, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Finance Principal Secretary Sanjiv Mishra, Principal Secretary to CM Saswat Mishra and other senior officials attended the review meeting.

WCD Principal Secretary Shubha Sharma presented details of the ongoing programmes.