Chief Minister Raghubar Das, on Wednesday, directed the social welfare officers of the State to work on reducing malnutrition rate in Jharkhand on a mission mode. While conducting a review meeting with the social welfare officers and Child Development Project Officers (CDPO), Das expressed his disappointment over the high rate of malnutrition in the State.
"The malnutrition rate here is 45 per cent which is a matter of concern. If a child is born malnourished, it is a shame on humanity. Ensure that awareness about malnutrition reaches every poor household. Focus especially on tribal areas," he said.
The officers were directed to find out the current percentage of malnutrition in their respective areas and set up a target for the next three months to reduce it. "The panchayat which is free of malnourishment will be awarded prize money of Rs 1 lakh along with awarding the social welfare officer and CDPO of the district," Das announced.
Chief Minister directed the officers to fill up all the vacant posts of Anganwadi Sevikas and Sahayikas after seeking permission from the Gram Sabha to ensure that children coming to anganwadi get nutritious food timely.
He also directed the officers to get the pregnant women of the State registered at their respective anganwadi centres within 15 days because if they are not registered timely they will not be able to get the Government benefits.
"The CDPOs should ensure that the poshan sakhis spend at least two days every week spreading information about prevention from malnutrition among women groups in villages. They should be aware of the edible items available in the villages which can help fight malnourishment," Das said.
The CM also directed the officers to convert the Anganwadi centres running in all the aspirational districts of the State in model anganwadi centres.
During the meeting he also directed the social welfare officers to work dedicatedly towards providing pension to widows.
Das announced that the widows should be identified at district, block and panchayat level and should be linked with the beneficial scheme. "They will also be given houses under Ambedkar Yojana," he said.
During the meeting, secretary of women and child development and social security department Amitabh Kaushal said taht the aim to conduct the meeting is to prepare a road map and agenda for the functioning of the department for the next 100 days.
Kaushal informed that under the Mukhyamantri Sukanya Yojana, 2.90 lakh beneficiaries are to be provided the benefits in the next three months for which a budget of Rs 150 crore has been allocated.
"To ensure 100 percent coverage under the scheme, camps will be organised at anganwadi centres, schools and colleges which will be overseen by DC, DSO and district ICPS officers.
PRI members would spread the message about the scheme at individual household level," he said.