In response to severe weather and the ongoing heatwave in Delhi, the government has announced the closure of all Anganwadi centres until June 30. This decision aims to safeguard the health and safety of vulnerable children and mothers.
To mitigate the impact of these closures, the Kejriwal government will provide Supplementary Nutrition Food items as Take Home Ration (THR). These essential supplies will be delivered directly to beneficiaries’ doorsteps, including children aged three to six years who typically receive hot cooked meals at the centres, according to an official statement.
Delhi Women and Child Development Minister Kailash Gahlot emphasized the importance of proactive measures during the heatwave. “Given the unprecedented heat wave conditions, it is imperative that we take proactive measures to protect them,” he said.
“The doorstep delivery of supplementary nutrition ensures that our beneficiaries continue to receive the necessary nutritional support without having to endure the extreme heat. I have directed the Secretary, WCD, to ensure compliance with the order and provide daily reports,” he added.
Delhi has a total of 10,897 Anganwadi Centres, offering a range of services, including supplementary nutrition, pre-schooling, non-formal education, health check-ups, immunization, referral services, and nutritional education.
Currently, 643,760 beneficiaries receive supplementary nutrition food through these centres. This group includes 56,051 lactating mothers, 65,726 pregnant women, 361,712 children aged six months to three years, and 160,271 children aged three to six years.
While the Delhi government has already been delivering supplementary nutrition to lactating mothers, pregnant women, and children aged six months to three years, this new initiative extends the service to include children aged three to six years during the closure period, the statement added.
(with PTI inputs)
