The High Court of Chhattisgarh on Thursday upheld the notification of the Chhattisgarh government regarding preparation of food and distribution work under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).
The court dismissed the 285 petitions filed against it. The 285 petitioners were mainly self-help groups, an official communication said.
At present, the ready-to-eat food packets for children and pregnant women were being prepared by the Women-Self Help Groups across the state. The groups were involved in its distribution also.
The Chhattisgarh government, based on the court orders to ensure hands free preparation of the ready-to-eat packets, preferred to centralise the whole process, through a hands-free manufacturing process.
The notification was issued on November 26, 2021. The government also said it wanted to retain the nutritious qualities and eliminate any adulteration while preparing by hand.
The court was apprised that the notification was in accordance with the Food Security Act. It does not have any conflict with the Supreme Court order and a fully transparent process has been adopted by the state government.