HYDERABAD: The stunted growth among children attending anganwadis in Hyderabad has set alarm bells ringing in the State government. Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) officials are taking up a study to assess the performance and impact of Anganwadis in Hyderabad.
Despite streamlined supply of wholesome and nutritious meals and supplements, children attending anganwadis have not been growing according to the accepted growth parameters, said Hyderabad collector K Nirmala. “To find the reasons for stunted growth among children we want to find out about food supplements and if they have to be changed,” stated K Nirmala. There are about 900 anganwadis in Hyderabad catering to children aged between six months to six years, pregnant women and lactating mothers.
ICDS officials are expected to focus on bringing more pregnant women and lactating mothers to these centres. “If a child has to experience healthy growth, care has to be taken right from the time a woman becomes pregnant. Even during the lactation stage proper nutrition has to be provided,” said Hyderabad Women and Child Welfare Department’s project director Ashritha.
“The enrolment at anganwadis have been on the decline. All project officers have been ordered to regularly monitor and present a report citing causes for declining enrolments,” she added.