The project aims to achieve the goal of a developed and fit India by making children healthy and will include medicinal plant gardens and traditional health practices
While launching the National level Project for Screening and Health Management of tribal students through Ayurvedic Interventions, the Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Agriculture, and Farmers' Welfare, Arjun Munda, said that the country was aiming to achieve the goal of a Developed and Fit India by making our children healthy.
The minister proposed establishing medicinal plant gardens like Poshan Vatikas in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) to raise awareness about traditional health practices. In collaboration with the Ministry of AYUSH, CCRAS, and ICMR-NIRTH, this effort targets over 20,000 tribal students in EMRS nationwide.
The project focuses on students aged 10–18 in 55 EMRS across 14 states, screening for issues like anaemia, hemoglobinopathies, malnutrition, and tuberculosis.
This initiative stems from the October 2022 MoU between the Ministries of Tribal Affairs and AYUSH. CCRAS developed 72 Poshan Vatikas in EMRS across 20 states, supporting tribal development. EMRS, with 402 functional schools nationwide, plays a vital role in providing quality education and holistic development to Scheduled Tribe children.
During the announcement, Ministers Munda and Sonowal unveiled an e-book and brochure outlining their collaborative health initiatives. The project signifies a crucial step towards enhancing the well-being of tribal students across the country.