Women and Child Development Minister Veena George termed it a proud moment, crediting the recognition to the department’s sustained efforts to improve child nutrition and early development
Published Jul 17, 2025 | 7:28 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 17, 2025 | 7:28 PM
Representational image of children eating a balanced meal. (Wikimedia Commons)
Kerala’s initiatives in child welfare and nutrition have earned national recognition, with key projects by the Women and Child Development Department presented as best practices at a national seminar held ahead of the 5th National Conference of chief secretaries in November 2025, centered on ‘Human Capital for Viksit Bharat’, which will be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Principal Secretary Dr. Sharmila Mary Joseph made the presentation, with Department Director Haritha V Kumar in attendance.
Women and Child Development Minister Veena George termed it a proud moment, crediting the recognition to the department’s sustained efforts to improve child nutrition and early development.
Among the highlighted projects were the Nutritious Baby Scheme—offering eggs and milk to children three days a week—the revamped Anganwadi food menu featuring items like egg biryani and pulao, and the innovative ‘Kunjus Card’ to track the developmental milestones of preschoolers.
The Kunjus Card was developed in collaboration with pediatricians and experts from the Thiruvananthapuram CDC.
The Anganwadi food menu, a first-of-its-kind unified plan, emphasizes taste and health by limiting sugar and salt while ensuring adequate energy and protein.
Other notable initiatives in 2024 include the gender-audited Anganapoomazha activity book, tribal children’s picture dictionary, Kilikonchal broadcast on Victers Channel, and the Trivandrum Development Monitoring Card, further strengthening the state’s child development framework.
