Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh government has decided to implement a new nutrition programme for children, pregnant women and nursing mothers through several 'anganwadis' (mother and child care centres).
"Preparations to provide nutritious food to children of 3-6 years are in full swing in the 59,324 anganwadis. The expectant and nursing mothers will also benefit," said an official of the women and child welfare department.The menu will be a mix of cereals, vegetables, soya, lentils, fruit and milk.
"Food items would be chosen by district collectors as per protein and calorie content," the official added.
Madhya Pradesh has also decided to hold cultural ceremonies like 'annaprashna' (when a baby is fed its first solid food) and celebrate the birthdays of children up to the age of six at anganwadis.
This would enable social and emotional bonding and also help reduce school dropout rates, the official said. A medical check-up for adolescent girls would be conducted once in four weeks.
Currently 59,324 anganwadis have been sanctioned under 367 Integrated Child Development Projects in the state. A proposal to set up an additional 9,922 anganwadis has been forwarded to the central government.
Advertisement
SRM
