Deputy CM Diya Kumari Launches Pilot Distribution of Millet Nutri Bars at Anganwadi Centres

“A step to boost nutrition and retention of children in Anganwadi centres,” says Deputy CM

Jaipur : Rajasthan’s Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Women and Child Development, Diya Kumari, on Tuesday launched the pilot distribution of bio-fortified millet nutri bars for children aged 3 to 6 years attending Anganwadi centres. The initiative began in Jaipur’s Vidyadhar Nagar, aimed at improving the nutritional status of children and enhancing their retention at the centres. If successful over six months, the government plans to scale up the initiative across the state with CSR support.

Addressing the media, Deputy CM Diya Kumari said the pilot was inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Shri Anna Yojana” and has been introduced as an innovative intervention. The pilot program will be implemented with CSR support in selected Anganwadi centres in Jaipur and Udaipur districts. The millet nutri bars are made from bio-fortified pearl millet, wheat, peanuts, jaggery, and honey, and are rich in calories, protein, calcium, iron, and zinc — all essential nutrients for child growth.

She informed that the pilot is being implemented in Jaipur I, Sanganer Rural (Jaipur district), and the tribal project area of Phalasia in Udaipur district. Under this initiative, approximately 10,000 children across 544 Anganwadi centres will receive one 20-gram nutri bar daily, five days a week, for six months.

Diya Kumari stated that the program would not only improve child nutrition but also increase attendance and engagement at Anganwadi centres, while further empowering Anganwadi workers. The initiative also marks an important step towards integrating millet-based (“Shri Anna”) food products into the state’s ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services) program.

Speaking on the occasion, Mahendra Soni, Principal Secretary, Women and Child Development, said the department is making consistent efforts to strengthen children’s nutritional status under ICDS. These efforts aim to improve the health and nutrition levels of beneficiaries across Rajasthan.

Present at the launch were Vasudev Malawat, Director, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS); Dr. Ankur Muthreja, Director of External Affairs and Health Security at PATH; and Ravindra Grover, COO of Harvest Plus, along with other dignitaries.

Green Rajasthan Drive: Tree Plantation by Deputy CM
As part of the “Hariyalo Rajasthan” campaign, Diya Kumari planted saplings at the government senior secondary school premises housing an Anganwadi centre in Sector 8, Vidyadhar Nagar.

Nandghar Inspection: Emphasis on Child Safety and Well-being
The Deputy CM also visited a nearby Nandghar (modern Anganwadi centre) to inspect facilities. She reviewed arrangements, gave necessary instructions, and stressed ensuring quality nutrition and pre-school education under ECCE (Early Childhood Care and Education). With the monsoon underway, she emphasized special attention to children’s safety and comfort to prevent any mishaps during the rainy season.