Minister Aditi Tatkare directs close focus on child nutrition in drought-hit areas

Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare has directed the departments concerned to work in coordination so that malnutrition does not rise among children in drought-hit areas of the state, and that pregnant and lactating mothers get nutrition and health services without any hindrance.

A meeting was held to review the measures being implemented under the Integrated Child Development Services scheme during the drought. Tatkare gave the directions while speaking at the meeting, which was held by video conferencing. She heard about the difficulties and problems in different districts.

Department Secretary Dr Anoop Kumar Yadav, Joint Secretary V. R. Thakur, Joint Commissioner Sangeeta Londhe and Under Secretary Sardar attended the meeting. Commissioner Madhavi Sardeshmukh made a presentation on the department's work.

Tatkare directed that officials visit anganwadis every day and review the work, so that the functioning of anganwadis is monitored daily. She also said that action on keeping anganwadis open during the drought should follow the instructions of the district collectors concerned.

During the drought, all those concerned must discharge their responsibilities properly so that moderate and severe malnutrition does not rise among children. Secretary Dr Yadav said everyone should work in coordination so that the facilities provided by the government reach every beneficiary.

Tatkare said districts where drought has been declared should review the work regularly. In areas with acute water scarcity, alternative arrangements should be made in coordination with the Collector's office. Anganwadis should be given the facilities they need with the help of the water supply and health departments.

She also said information on the families of migrant workers should be collected and parents guided, so that their children's education and nutrition services continue. Pregnant mothers should be given services without any hindrance, and regular attention should be paid to the health of the mothers and their babies, she said.

Tatkare also directed that cooperative and private sugar mills provide details of the home villages of cane-cutting labourers, heads of families and beneficiaries. They should also give the name and mobile number of a contact officer to the District Programme Officer, she said.

The meeting stressed that child nutrition, services for pregnant mothers and the functioning of anganwadis should run smoothly during the drought.