Hoshiarpur:- Punjab State Food Commission Chairman Bal Mukand Sharma today held an important review meeting with the officers of various departments of Hoshiarpur district. The objective of the meeting was to strengthen the implementation of government's food, nutrition and social welfare schemes at the grassroots level. He was accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Nicas Kumar and NRI and social worker Bhupinder Singh Hundal.
The meeting discussed many important topics including social welfare schemes, mid-day meal, nutrition gardens, basic sanitation, school health programs, food security and nutritional security. The Punjab State Food Commission Chairman said that the real benefits of all these schemes are possible only through strong coordination and monitoring between the departments. He instructed the district administration and the concerned departments that no negligence in the quality of mid-day meal will be tolerated.
Regular monitoring of availability, storage and distribution of food grains is essential to ensure that children get nutritious and hygienic food. He also stressed on the importance of promoting nutrition gardens in schools and Anganwadis to ensure availability of locally grown fresh vegetables. He also directed the Forest Department and Horticulture Department to collaborate with the department to plant fruit and medicinal plants in schools.
Bal Mukand Sharma stressed on the importance of school health programmes and basic sanitation drives, saying that health, hygiene and nutrition of children cannot be compromised. He directed the departments to effectively implement clean drinking water, clean toilets, regular health check-ups and nutrition awareness activities in schools.