The State government is taking eradication of malnutrition as utmost priority, Women and Child Welfare Department Commissioner and Secretary Dr M Geetha said on Monday.
“There is a need to remain alert and carry out regular monitoring so that along with ensuring proper nutrition in children, the pre-school education can also be strengthened,” she said while chairing the two-day State-level review meeting of Women and Child Development Department at New Circuit House here.
Dr Geetha said that in the upcoming weighing festival, officials must ensure to use electronic weighing machines for which all necessary preparations should be done in the State.
“Department’s Directorate and district-level officers should regularly monitor the progress and implementation of schemes. They can use mobile and video-conferencing modes also for it,” she said.
The Commissioner remarked : " It is for the first time adolescent girls’ weight and health check-up will be conducted in weighing festival. The Department officials should guarantee all arrangements for it. As per the manifesto , Anganbadi centres will be converted into ‘nurseries’ for which women and girls should be brought under community participation.”
“There is need for better coordination and implementation of schemes at the district level,” Dr Geetha said. During review of Anganbadi centres, she said, “Ensure that all the centres open on time and Anganbadi workers should undergo regular training.”