Bhubaneswar: Union Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi met Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the Odisha Bhawan in New Delhi today morning. While the meet was largely a courtesy visit, Gandhi raised the issue of malnutrition in Odisha during the talks.
According to reports, Maneka reached Odisha Bhawan in the morning. During his talks with Naveen, Gandhi assured him of all possible assistance from the Centre to eradicate malnutrition in the state. Though informal in nature, the talk holds significance in the backdrop the Nagada malnutrition case which made it to the headlines in the media across the country projecting a gloomy image of the State.
Maneka assured Naveen to send an expert team to Odisha to look into the malnutrition issue during her interaction with Naveen.u
During his discussion with the Union Minister, Naveen demanded more Anganwadi Kendras for the State with special attention to tribal districts. Naveen demanded 3385 more Anganwadi Centres in the State with a fund allocation of Rs 250 crores and a hike in the pay of Anganwadi workers engaged on duty. Have also told Maneka to make necessary arrangements to set up a Juvenile Justice Academy in the State.
Notably, Naveen is currently on a five-day visit to the capital city during which he met President-elect Ram Nath Kovind and congratulated him. Naveen also addressed the Bicentenary Celebrations of 1817 Paika Rebellion, held there yesterday.
Ms Kalinga