Regular sampling ensures quality food for Anganwadi beneficiaries

In a decisive move to ensure the quality and effectiveness of government nutrition programmes, Acting Deputy Commissioner of Sirmaur, LR Verma, has directed officials from the Food & Civil Supplies and Women & Child Development Departments to conduct regular sampling of ration supplied to Anganwadi centres under various government schemes.

Chairing the district-level monitoring and review committee meeting for the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) and Poshan Abhiyan, Verma emphasised that Sirmaur district has 1,486 Anganwadi centres distributing nutritious food to infants, pregnant women and other eligible beneficiaries. He stressed that maintaining the quality of food supplies is crucial for safeguarding public health and ensuring the well-being of the beneficiaries.

During the meeting, it was revealed that 39,935 eligible beneficiaries in the district are currently receiving nutritional support under the Poshan Abhiyan. These include 21,076 children aged six months to three years, 11,396 children between three and six years, and 7,463 pregnant and lactating mothers. Verma reiterated the importance of timely delivery and quality control of the nutrition provided at Anganwadi centers. He instructed the Women & Child Development and Food & Civil Supplies Departments to ensure that essential food supplies reach all centers on time and undergo stringent quality checks.

Recognising the need for better infrastructure in early childhood care, Verma directed the Rural Development Department to accelerate the construction of 51 Anganwadi center buildings that have been approved under the MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act). He called for regular progress reports on these construction projects to ensure timely completion so that people can benefit from improved facilities as soon as possible.

Emphasising the importance of grassroots-level awareness campaigns, Verma instructed officials to expand outreach efforts for Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and various women’s welfare schemes at the panchayat level. He directed departments to conduct awareness camps in rural areas to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries are aware of government schemes and can access them without difficulties. He also stressed the need to intensify awareness programmes under the Poshan Abhiyan, highlighting that while special nutrition awareness programmes were conducted from August 1 to August 7, there is a necessity to increase the frequency of such initiatives throughout the year.

To ensure the smooth execution of these programmes, Verma urged the concerned departments to coordinate effectively and maintain the timely delivery of nutritious food across all 1,486 Anganwadi centres in the district. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to child welfare and women’s health, emphasising that strict monitoring and efficient execution would be key to achieving the desired impact.

The meeting was attended by several key officials, including District Programme Officer Sunil Sharma, who provided a detailed overview of government schemes under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). Additional Superintendent of Police Yogesh Rolta, Chief Medical Officer Amitabh Jain, District Welfare Officer Vivek Arora, and Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) from various blocks were also present, along with officials from multiple departments.