Haryana Chief Minister Manohar lal has approved the proposal to increase by four times the amount of cash prizes being awarded under the Best Mother Award Scheme.
Under the scheme, which is included in the Integrated Child Development Services State Plan Scheme, cash prizes are given away to mothers in the state with a view to encourage them for proper rearing of their children, especially girls, and to improve their nutritional status. The scheme is also aimed at optimum physical, mental, social, intellectual and psychological development of children.
A spokesperson of the State Govt said, “At the circle level, the amount of the first prize has been revised to `2,000 from `500, the second prize has been increased to `1,200 from `300 and that of the third prize has been revised to `800 from `200. Similarly, at the block level, first, second and third prizes have been increased to `4,000 from `1,000, `3,000 from `750 and to `2,000 from `500, respectively.
The Chief Minister has also given approval for additional funds amounting to Rs 54.33 lakh, of which Rs 40.64 lakh are required for circle level and Rs 13.69 lakh for block level.
Funds amounting to Rs 27.35 lakh have been allocated for the scheme in the State Budget for the year 2015-16, added the spokesperson.