In the wake of severe weather and ongoing heat waves in the national capital, the Delhi Government has announced the closure of all Anganwadi Centres from June 1 to June 30, 2024. This measure aims to protect the health and safety of vulnerable children and mothers. To offset the impact of the closure, the Kejriwal government will provide Supplementary Nutrition Food items as Take Home Ration (THR), delivering these essential supplies directly to the beneficiaries’ doorsteps, including children aged 3-6 years who typically receive hot cooked meals at the centres.
Commenting on the closure, Women and Child Development Minister Shri Kailash Gahlot stated, “The health and safety of our children and mothers are of utmost priority. Given the unprecedented heat wave conditions, it is imperative that we take proactive measures to protect them. The doorstep delivery of supplementary nutrition ensures that our beneficiaries continue to receive the necessary nutritional support without having to endure the extreme heat.”
“I have directed the Secretary, WCD to ensure compliance with the order and furnish reports on a daily basis,” he added.
Delhi has a total of 10,897 Aanganwadi Centres, which provide a range of services including supplementary nutrition, pre-schooling, non-formal education, health check-ups, immunization, referral services, and nutritional education. Currently, 6,43,760 beneficiaries receive supplementary nutrition food through these centres. This group comprises 56,051 lactating mothers, 65,726 pregnant women, 3,61,712 children aged 6 months to 3 years, and 1,60,271 children aged 3 to 6 years.
While the Kejriwal government has already been delivering supplementary nutrition to lactating mothers, pregnant women, and children aged 6 months to 3 years, this new initiative extends the service to include children aged 3-6 years during the closure period.
