Alipurduar, Oct. 23 -- The Bengal government on Friday launched a special nutrition initiative for the toto community, one of the world's smallest tribal communities, at Totopara in Alipurduar district. The programme was virtually inaugurated by the Chief Minister to strengthen nutritional security among Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
Located near Bhutan at the foothills of the Tading mountains, Totopara is home to around 1,600 members of the toto community. The initiative aims to address their nutritional needs and ensure access to essential food supplies.
The launch programme was attended by state Education minister Deepak Barman, Minister of State for Home Affairs Bishal Lama and several administrative officials. As part of the initiative, food packages containing rice, soybeans, ragi, sesame seeds, cooking oil, pulses, jaggery and other essential items were distributed among residents.
Speaking at the programme, Bishal Lama said: "The Chief Minister has given thought to the welfare of the toto community. The state government will also build houses for toto families. Many more initiatives are in store for the toto community in the coming days."
Welcoming the initiative, Bharat Toto, a young member of the community, said: "I thank the Chief Minister for taking such an initiative. This is a historic step. For the first time, someone has thought about our needs."
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.