Northeast Desk, 3rd April: Deputy Commissioner Sachin Rana of East Kameng district has opted to divert the entire cash prize of 2 lakh rupees, received as the 7th JRD Tata Memorial Award, towards assisting Tuberculosis (TB) patients in the region.
In a letter dated January 25, 2024, addressed to Ms. Poonam Muttreja, Sachin Rana expressed his sincere appreciation for the 7th JRD Tata Memorial Award. The letter served as both a formal acknowledgment of the award and an unveiling of Rana’s vision for the cash prize.
The JRD Tata Memorial Awards, established by the Population Foundation of India, aim to honor districts and states in India that demonstrate exceptional efforts in meeting the reproductive health needs of their citizens. East Kameng’s outstanding performance in the ‘High-focus North East States-Moderate Wealth Level’ category earned it this prestigious recognition, along with a financial grant of 2 lakh rupees.
Rana resolved to allocate the entire award amount to support Tuberculosis patients within the district.
Tuberculosis remains a significant public health challenge in India, requiring comprehensive efforts for its eradication. Recognizing the urgency of the issue, Rana directed the funds towards the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme’s (NTEP) Nikshay Poshan Yojana. This initiative, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, provides vital nutritional support to TB patients during their treatment, crucial for their recovery.
The Nikshay Poshan Yojana, also known as the TB Nutritional Support Scheme, ensures that all notified TB patients receive adequate nutritional assistance during their treatment. The scheme provides a financial incentive of Rs. 500 per month for each TB patient for the duration of their anti-TB treatment, serving as a lifeline for marginalized and economically vulnerable TB patients.
Expressing gratitude for the award in his letter dated January 25, 2024, Sachin Rana emphasized the symbolic significance of the funds. The entire cash prize, represented by Cheque No. 110036011 dated December 21, 2023, was dedicated to advancing the cause of TB eradication in East Kameng.
Furthermore, Sachin Rana announced his decision to utilize the entire award amount for the Nikshay Poshan Yojana under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme 2025. The funds were ceremoniously handed over to the Medical Department in East Kameng during the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2024, marking a symbolic and strategic choice to coincide with a day of national importance.
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