Azim Premji’s foundation inks MoU with Odisha for malnutrition eradication

BHUBANESWAR: Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives (APPI) on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Odisha government for the eradication of malnutrition and woman development.

The APPI would spend Rs 300 crore for the cause in the state over a period of eight to ten years.

With the objective to achieve reduction of 20-15 percentage points in malnutrition across the state over a period of 8-10 years, APPI has decided to extend its support to Odisha.

This initiative is first of its kind in the country, where APPI will extend its support to a state government.

While several state governments have shown a keen interest in receiving APPI support, WIPRO Founder Mr.Premji has agreed for this Eastern State, which is scaling up ICDS activities with all sincerity.

“In terms of their commitment to our support for reducing the problem of malnutrition in Odisha, I think that commitment will be going very far in terms of the success of this project. I was very pleased to learn that you have been appointing nodal officers in each of the four key departments which have to work with us. We will be able to get a concerted end output in terms of what we achieved,” Azim Premji said.

APPI will be working collaboratively with the state government to improve the ICDS system, set up departmental convergence mechanisms and increasing the technical, knowledge, resource and management capacity of the various administrative systems.

This collaboratively initiative will address the challenges and systemic bottlenecks to improve coverage of nutrition services and practices across all districts.

During the signing of the MoU, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed satisfaction over the reduction of malnutrition among women and overall development of their health.

“I am delighted that an MoU has been signed between Government of Odisha and Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives (APPI) in collaborating with the state effort for reducing malnutrition among women and children,” said the Chief Minister.

“I am very thankful to Mr Premji for extending his philanthropic endeavour by choosing Odisha. It is an honour to have Mr Premji work with us to reduce malnutrition both for the cause and commitment for saving lives of children and improving the health of women,” the Chief Minister added.

This will also take care of institutionalising multi-sectoral approach to nutrition, setting up institutional structures, community empowerment for increased accountability and better delivery of services and inter-sectoral convergence at all levels.