Govt doubles funds for child plan

Laying down nutrition and feeding norms for the state governments to follow,the Centre doubled the budget allocated under the Integrated Child Development Services ICDS scheme. Hoping to bring down the malnutrition figures,the daily budget per child has now been increased from Rs two to Rs four. The centre has also decided to redesign the Nutrition and Health Education NHE component under the project,including fathers in the programme.

Though particular emphasis will be laid on Mahila Mandals for a more comprehensive parenting support initiative,this would cover both mothers and fathers and not mothers alone,for improved health and nutrition of children said NC Joshi,spokesperson,Ministry of Women and Child Development.

Under the scheme,Rs 44,400 crore has been earmarked in the 11th Five Year Plan. The Ministry of WCD has,however,initially worked out budgetary requirements for the 11th Five Year Plan as Rs 41,764.80 crore,which has been further revised tentatively to Rs 72,877.52 crore equivalent to 18 billion,added a senior official.

The Ministry has spelt out the guidelines for the ICDS in a circular to all secretaries of Women and Child Welfare in the states and to directors of ICDS programmes. The ministry has adopted a comprehensive approach which takes into account the need for hot cooked meals for children above three and take home rations for infants under three,who are not in a position to visit anganwadis daily.