Parents of anganwadi kids get dry ration at doorstep

There are over 54,000 anganwadi centres in Tamil Nadu, through which the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) under the Social Welfare Department is providing nutritious food to more than 24.56 lakh children in the age group of six months to five years.

“After the closure of anganwadi centres due to coronavirus threat, the government has decided to provide dry ration at the doorsteps of the children who are registered with these centres. Thus their parents will be able to continue provide them nutritious meal cooked at home,” a senior ICDS official told DT Next.

According to the official, the work of supplying food materials, including rice, black Bengal gram, green gram, eggs, vegetables, etc. have already started. Officials have been deployed across the State for the work.

Considering the special nature and digestive capacity of children below the age of 5 who attend anganwadi centres, food was being prepared in consultation with the nutrition experts. Now, officials are providing tips on preparing the meal and timetable to the parents so that the children would have the same diet as was provided at the centres.

“Double fortified salt (with Iron and Iodine) will also be supplied,” he said, adding that the supply would continue till further orders from the government.

The ICDS official also pointed out that free smartphones have already been distributed to the anganwadi staff. Hence, there would not any miscommunication regarding supply of dry ration. Also, there is enough stock to ensure that no children are left out, he added.