SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS SCHEMES AS PART OF AKAM

In commemoration of 75 years of India’s Independence, the schemes being implemented by the Department of Social Welfare such as ‘Poshan Abhiyaan’ and 'Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana' have been specifically highlighted as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM). POSHAN Abhiyaan is a multi-ministerial convergence mission with the vision to ensure the attainment of a malnutrition-free India by 2022. It aims to ensure holistic development and adequate nutrition for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children. The main objectives of the mission: (i) Prevent and reduce stunting in children (0-6 years) (ii) Prevent and reduce under nutrition in children (0-6 years) (iii) Prevent and reduce Anemia amongst young children ( 6-59 months) (iv) Reduce the prevalence of Anemia among women and adolescent girls ( 15-49 years) (v) Reduce low birth weight (LBW) The pillars of the mission are POSHAN Tracker, Convergence, Behavioural Change & Communication, IEC Advocacy, Incremental Learning Approach, Innovations, Incentives, and Grievance Redressal. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana(PMMVY) is implemented using the platform of Anganwadi Services Schemes of Umbrella ICDS under Social Welfare Department in the State. The objectives of PMMVY are to provide partial compensation for the wage loss in terms of cash incentives so that the woman can take adequate rest before and after the delivery of the first living child. Encourage pregnant women and lactating mothers to seek improved health and nutrition behavior. Since the launch of the Scheme in January 2017 in the state, it has benefitted 30748 pregnant women and lactating mothers. It aims to reach out to all deserving pregnant women and lactating mothers and regular identification and registration is done in and through the Anganwadi Centres and workers. Registration is also done at the CDPO Offices and District PMMVY cells attached to the district DPO offices. This PMMVY is implemented in all the Districts of the country where a cash incentive of Rs. 5000/- is provided directly to the Bank/Post Office Account of pregnant women and lactating mothers (PW&LM) for the first living child of the family.

(Nongozo Rikha, Asst. Director)