Shadow Correspondent
Kishtwar, Jan 21:
The month-long Healthy Baby Competition, launched on January 1, 2025, concluded today with a vibrant District-Level Healthy Baby Competition held here in the Conference Hall of the DC Office.
Babies selected from all ICDS Projects of the district participated in the grand finale of this health-focused initiative in today’s District Level event.
The initiative was taken by Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Kumar Shavan to promote the health and well-being of mothers and children aged 6 months to 6 years.
The Competition progressed in three phases, starting from Panchayat level, followed by Project level and culminated at the District level. The participants were evaluated on the multi criterions including general appearance including the child’s hygiene, hair, eyes, nose, mouth, teeth, ear, nails besides weight, height, Gross Motor Skills, Immunization Status and HB Level as per the given standards and SOPs.
Judges evaluated the participants, selecting winners in various categories, who were presented certificates and Gift Packs. The DC also announced that these winners will be felicitated during the Republic Day 2025 celebrations.
The collaborative efforts of the ICDS Department, Health Department, Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), Medical officers, and parents played a pivotal role in the success of this initiative, ensuring enthusiastic participation across the district.
The Healthy Baby Competition was designed to spread awareness about the importance of early childhood health, proper nutrition, and parental care. I
t encouraged mothers to adopt best practices for improving their children’s well being, overall development and nutritional needs, fostering a healthier future generation.
Speaking at the event, the DC appreciated the collaborative efforts of the departments involved and commended mothers for their awareness of childcare and nutritional needs.
He said that for having good health, the district organised awareness under the Food Safety & Standard Act. The farmers are being encouraged to have organic farming and getting knowledge to eat right.
The DC said that there is a dire need to educate the young generation to discard junk food and make mothers aware about the value of breastfeeding.
The event also witnessed the participation of PO, ICDS Kishtwar Dr Rishi Kumar, DSWO Kishtwar Zubair Ahmed Lone, AD FCS&CA Shafkat Hussain Keen, CDPO Nagseni/Paddar Najeeb Latief-JKAS, CDPO Inderwal/Marwah/ Warwan Dr Kuldeep Kumar, CMO Kishtwar Dr Rajinder Kumar , Supervisors besides AWWs and Mother Parents.
