Child welfare budget will be doubled to Rs 18,000 crore next year: Jharkhand Finance Minister in Jamshedpur

Fourth Bal Mela opens to grand welcome

A society with a hungry childhood can never have a strong youth.”

I spent five years of my childhood in Jamshedpur: Radhakrishna

A two-year-old should never be handed a mobile phone: Sundara Raman

Society must rethink its approach to children: Saryu Roy

The Children’s Fair is becoming the city’s identity: Govind Dodrajka

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, Nov 14:  The fourth edition of the Bal Mela, organised jointly by Swarnarekha Area Development Trust and Nature Foundation and was inaugurated on Thursday with state Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore announcing a significant boost in the upcoming child-centric budget. “We currently spend Rs 9,000 crore annually on child welfare. In the next budget, we aim to raise it to Rs 18,000 crore for the holistic development of children,” he said, stressing that a strong childhood is the foundation of a strong society. “A society whose childhood is hungry and weak will see a weak youth,” he added.

Kishore recalled his emotional connection with Jamshedpur, calling it his “second hometown.” He warned that malnutrition among children aged 0–5 in Jharkhand remains between 40–59% and anaemia among women between 35–59%. CSR funds, he said, must be strictly used for child health and education. “CSR money should not be spent on LED lights or ceiling fans. It must go to children first.”

Guest of Honour D.B. Sundara Ramam said the fair reflects a much-needed commitment to children. Criticising the rising dependence on gadgets, he said, “It is wrong to hand a mobile phone to a crying two-year-old. We are forgetting our cultural roots.”

Presiding over the event, MLA Saryu Roy said the Bal Mela was started after Covid-19 to help children reconnect emotionally and socially. “Malnutrition is a serious issue. We must reflect on whether the existing mid-day meal system needs improvement,” he said, adding that Jamshedpur must reclaim open spaces for playgrounds.

Govind Dodrajka said the fair is fast becoming “the identity of the city,” promising an even larger celebration next year. Chamber of Commerce president Manav Kedia urged families to encourage outdoor play, saying the fair instils cultural and sporting values in children.

The event began with balloon release and lamp-lighting by the Finance Minister and Sundararaman, followed by a tour of 50 stalls. The book Jungle Adventures by Satish Mishra was also launched. Organisers Ashok Goyal, Manoj Kumar Singh and their team played key roles in making the event a success.