Arunachal Pradesh team lauds nutrition model in Baharagora

Jamshedpur: In a significant recognition of grassroots nutritional initiatives, a state-level delegation from Arunachal Pradesh visited Pathra Panchayat of Baharagora block, East Singhbhum—recently selected by the Government of India as a well-nourished Gram Panchayat under the ambitious Poshan Abhiyan Yojana.

The delegation, comprising senior officials including Chadan Tangbej, Deputy Director of ICDS, Arunachal Pradesh, and State Coordinator Amit Kumar Singh, conducted an extensive field assessment at Anganwadi Centres Nakadoha and Pankisol to study firsthand the strategies and infrastructure that have contributed to the Panchayat’s recognition.

The team undertook growth monitoring verification, meticulously cross-checking weight and height data of children entered in the Poshan Tracker app. Impressively, the data was found to be 100% accurate, reflecting diligent record-keeping and monitoring by the local Anganwadi workers.

The delegation also reviewed the vaccination efforts by ANMs, availability and use of ready-to-eat nutritious food by pregnant and lactating women, and engaged directly with beneficiaries to gather insights on awareness and consumption patterns. The food diversity, cleanliness, and use of pre-school kits—supplied through DMFT (District Mineral Foundation Trust) at the district level—were particularly appreciated.

The excellent infrastructure of the Anganwadi centres—including provision for electricity, drinking water, functional toilets, and well-maintained nutrition gardens—earned praise from the delegation. The efforts of Sevikas and Sahayikas in maintaining service delivery in these remote locations were recognized as commendable.

The delegation also acknowledged the pivotal role of continuous support and supervision by the District Magistrate cum Deputy Commissioner, the District Social Welfare Officer, and the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) of Baharagora. These collaborative efforts were credited with ensuring sustainable outcomes in combating child malnutrition and promoting maternal health.

Apart from the visiting team from Arunachal Pradesh, key officials present during the visit included District Social Welfare Officer Sandhya Rani, Zonal Officer cum CDPO Baharagora Raja Ram Singh Munda, Mukhiya of Pathra Panchayat Radhi Murmu, Panchayat Samiti Member Gautam Kumar Manna, and women supervisors associated with the local ICDS project.

This inter-state visit reflects a growing interest in replicating successful nutrition models in remote and tribal regions across India. With its community-led, data-driven, and infrastructure-supported approach, Pathra Panchayat has emerged as a beacon of progress in the nationwide fight against malnutrition.