Ferozpur, September 20, 2017 : The Supplementary Nutrition programmes have been initiated in India to break inter-generational cycle of malnutrition with special focus on the health, nutrition and social status of children, adolescent girls and women as a priority.
In an order to provide balance diet to the children, pregnant women and nursing mothers, Rs.12,95,91,400 was spent under "supplementary nutrition program" in Ferozpur district during last financial year.
Added here, The Supplementary Nutrition is one of the six services provided under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme which is primarily designed to bridge the gap between the Recommended Dietary Allowance (FDA) and the Average Daily Intake (ADI). Supplementary Nutrition is given to the children (6 months – 6 years) and pregnant and lactating mothers under the ICDS Scheme.
Deputy Commissioner, Ramvir said that the "supplementary nutrition program" was running 2036 large Anganwari centres and 123 small Aanganwari centers in 11 blocks under integrated Child development services by the department of women and child development. He said that the program was aimed to address the needs of children under the age of 6 years as it provides integrated package of services such as supplementary nutrition, health care and pre-school education.
Besides that the program also extends to adolescent girls, pregnant women and nursing mothers as under this the efforts were made to enhance the capability of mothers to look after the health, nutritional and development needs of the children. Besides that free regular medical check up facility was also provided by the department, he added.
Talking about the Kishori Shakti Yojna, Deputy Commissioner said that Rs.25,23,000 was spent on the food nutrition's of 26520 teenage girls from weaker sections in the age group of 11 to 18 years.
He also asked the officials of Women and Child Development Department to start an awareness campaign about the healthcare schemes of the Punjab Government by organising camps at village level.
District Programme Officer, Jagmail Singh was also present on the occasion.