Uttarakhand strengthens Fit India & Eat Right initiatives

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reaffirmed the state's commitment to promoting health and fitness, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for a healthier India. 

Speaking on Wednesday, Dhami emphasized the importance of balanced nutrition in building a healthier Uttarakhand.

"The government has started work in this direction. To make a healthy India a healthy Uttarakhand, it is necessary that everyone starts paying attention to a balanced diet. I appeal to everyone to play their important role in this campaign," he stated.

As part of the Fit India campaign, which PM Modi highlighted during his visit to Uttarakhand, the state government has prioritized health awareness in educational institutions. In line with the Eat Right India initiative, efforts are being made to educate students about the significance of a balanced diet.

The Health Department has issued a directive to five key departments, including School Education, urging them to take proactive measures in spreading awareness. Health Secretary R. Rajesh Kumar has sent official communication to the secretaries of Social Welfare, Skill Development and Employment, Sanskrit Education, and Technical Education departments, stressing the need to promote the "Eat Right Thali" concept through tin plates and display boards in schools.

Ganesh Chandra Kandwal, the State Nodal Officer of Eat Right India Abhiyan, highlighted that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had established specific food safety guidelines for school children in 2020. These guidelines outline the components of a balanced diet in the "Eat Right Thali" initiative.

Under the Fit India Abhiyan, the School Education Department is preparing a proposal for six modern Eat Right kitchens in select schools. "These kitchens will be built for the arrangement of Eat Right in six schools, which we can also call modern kitchens," said Kuldeep Gairola, Additional Director of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. In addition, messages promoting Fit India and Eat Right will be displayed prominently in educational institutions, and training programs will be launched to enhance awareness.

Launched by PM Modi in 2019, the Fit India Movement is a key initiative aimed at transforming India into a sporting powerhouse. The campaign not only emphasizes health and fitness but also encourages the promotion of indigenous games and sports culture across the country.