The Ministry of Rural Development, under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), successfully organized the National Conclave on Food, Nutrition, Health, and WASH (FNHW) in New Delhi. The event marked a significant milestone in prioritizing FNHW activities, highlighting the crucial role of the Self-Help Group (SHG) network.
Union Minister of Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, emphasized in his keynote address that the dream of a developed India can be realized through the potential of the country’s daughters. He stressed the importance of focusing on the health and nutrition of SHG members, which could be transformative in achieving the goal of creating "Lakhpati Didis" (millionaire women). He urged stakeholders to collaborate in raising awareness about FNHW, with SHG Didis leading the initiative.
Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications, Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, underscored the vital role of SHGs in eradicating poverty and achieving health and nutrition goals in rural areas. He declared that FNHW is not merely a strategy but a revolution. Dr. Pemmasani called for collective efforts to inspire others, emphasizing that strong women lead to strong families and, ultimately, a strong India. Secretary of Rural Development, Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh, highlighted the necessity of collaboration and coordination among ministries, departments, civil society organizations, and communities to achieve better outcomes.
Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development, Shri Charanjit Singh, elaborated on the three core themes of the National Conclave: (Organization), representing the collective spirit and dedication of 10 crore women across 91 lakh SHGs; (Prosperity), signifying the economic transformation to be achieved through the target of creating 3 crore Lakhpati Didis; and (Health), which serves as the link between Sangathan and Samriddhi.
The event saw active participation from key government ministries and departments, including the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, and the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation. Representatives from State Rural Livelihoods Missions, international organizations, community institutions, and civil society organizations also took part. The conclave concluded with a reaffirmation of the collective commitment to empowering rural women, breaking the cycle of poverty, and building resilient communities across India.
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