Chairman of the Punjab State Food Commission, Sh. Bal Mukand Sharma, on Tuesday called for urgent action to set up ‘Poshan Gardens’ in all Government Primary Schools and Anganwadi Centres in the district. The directions were issued while chairing a review meeting with officials of various departments at the District Administrative Complex, Bathinda.
Chairing the meeting, Sh. Sharma emphasized that ‘Poshan Gardens’ must be established immediately in every Government Primary School and Anganwadi Centre. He directed that the gardens be planned with seasonal vegetables, fruit-bearing saplings and medicinal plants to ensure children get fresh, nutrient-rich produce through Mid-Day Meals and Anganwadi nutrition services.
“These gardens will provide children with a balanced diet and also help them connect with farming and the environment. The initiative will be instrumental in tackling malnutrition and contributing to a healthier Punjab,” Sh. Sharma said.
He reaffirmed the Punjab Government’s resolve, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, to protect children from malnutrition and ensure their overall well-being. The Chairman also took stock of the quality of Mid-Day Meals and supplementary nutrition being served to children in schools and Anganwadi Centres across the district.
He asked the Education Department and the Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development to coordinate with the Departments of Health, Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry and other relevant departments to ensure effective rollout of ‘Poshan Gardens’ at Anganwadi Centres. In addition, Sh. Sharma directed the Health Department to conduct periodic medical examinations for cooks and other personnel involved in Mid-Day Meal preparation in schools. He stressed the need for inter-departmental synergy to ensure the success of the initiative.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (Urban Development) Gurpreet Singh Thind, Assistant Commissioner (General) Gurjinder Singh, along with officers from various departments, attended the meeting.