As many 2.5 lakh pregnant women across the State will now receive hot and nutritious meal at the Anganwadis six days a week under the ‘Mahatari Jatan Yojana’ which will be launched by Chief Minister Raman Singh at Salgawakala village in Sonhat block of Koriya district on Tuesday.

The State Women and Child Development Department Secretary Sonmoni Borah had issued a circular regarding the scheme to all the District Collectors, District Programme Officers and District Women and Child Development Officers.

The circular stated that all the pregnant women registered in the Anganwadi centre will be distributed Ready-to-Eat items as well as hot meal and take home some ration. Presently, the women are served Ready-to-Eat items and 'Murra laddu'.

The scheme also covers special care, health education, complete vaccination and iron folic acid tablet distribution.

The 250 gms meal served at the Anganwadi includes  130 gram rice, 30 gram mix dal, 10 gram soya oil, 80 gram vegetables for each beneficiary. This in turn will help the beneficiary in gaining 662.9 kilo calories and 16.82 gram protein.

Around ` 8 would be spent for each beneficiary, said officials. The beneficiary will also receive a Ready to Eat packet of 600 gram for  six days. Earlier, 990 gram packet was given. This will benefit

the beneficiary in obtaining 11.21 protein and 380.9 calorie.

‘Murra laddu’ will not be distributed anymore. The hot meal would be served at the Anganwadis  during noon time. Prior to serving the food, it would be tasted by the Anganwadi Workers and Sahayikas. The amount of the fuel expenses will be deposited in the bank account of the concerned 'Anganwadi Sahayika'.

The food served in the scheme will be distributed according to Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, Rules 2011, and Regulations 2011.

Every District Programme Officer will have to send information about the status of the scheme by the tenth day of each month.