Excelsior Correspondent
AKHNOOR, Feb 23: Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Sham Lal Sharma has stressed the need for effective implementation of Centre’s flagship programme namely Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls (RGSEAG) SABLA so that the benefits of this important scheme percolate down to the needy.
Addressing a huge gathering of ICDS functionaries and adolescent girls at a mega awareness programme, here today, the Minister said that the Government launched this important scheme with a sole objective to improve the nutritional and health status of adolescent girls in the age group of 11 to 18 years and empower them by providing education in life skills, health and nutrition. The scheme also equips girls with information on family welfare, health and hygiene and also covers several other social aspects which are very important for the girls with their growing age and shouldering the future responsibilities. He stressed the need for generating greater awareness about the scheme amongst the all stakeholders so that the benefits of the ingredients reach at the grass root level.
The Minister asked the Sarpanchs/Panchs to supervise this important scheme at the grass root level to achieve the very objective of the programme. He said Government has already enlisted 14 departments including Social Welfare (ICDS) whose functioning will be monitored by the PRIs so that the benefits of the scheme reach out to the needy.
Asking the parents to give balanced diet to their children, especially the girls to ensure better health, the Minister said that balanced diet does not mean a rich diet but it must be a combination of different food items. He asked them to restrict fast food and encourage the children to adopt traditional food habits and taking parts in sports activities which keep them healthy and fit. He said children are the property of nation and they should be nurtured in such a way that they take the future responsibilities.
He also advocated for empowering the girls, asking the parents to keep full faith in their daughters so that they grow in an environment of confidence and achieve their targets. He said girls are doing excellent job in all fields and they need full support of the society to develop and grow with their male counterparts, said Mr. Sharma.
The camp was organized by the ICDS Project, Akhnoor under the supervision of CDPO, Surinder Paul Sharma. Mr. Sharma briefed the gathering about the implementation of the scheme and targets achieved.
Earlier, the Minister participated at an eye camp organized by the Sant Nirankari Charitable Foundation at Mahajan Hall, Akhnoor. In the 5-day free eye camp, which begun here on February 19 and concluded today, 76 operations were performed and 780 patients were examined by the doctors of Health Department. The camp was supervised by the Block Medical Officer, Akhnoor, Dr. Narinder Singh. Dr. Jayoti, Dr. Suresh and Dr. Bhawna of SDH, Akhnoor performed the operations.
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