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To provide a respite to Anganwadi workers, the Maharashtra government has increased the one-time square meal budget by 10 rupees, under the APJ Abdul Kalam Amrut Yojana, which provides cooked hot meals to children from six months to three years, lactating women and pregnant women in tribal areas. Amid soaring food price inflation, Anganwadi workers were struggling to buy vegetables for meals under the feeding programme.
Under the program dealing with malnutrition, low birth weight and maternal mortality in Maharashtra, Anganwadi workers are providing cooked food to 3.5 pregnant and lactating mothers and 16,000 children, ages seven months to six years, every day.
For a one-time square meal, comprising pulses, rice, fruits, vegetables, hard-boiled eggs with occasional supply of milk, the tribal circuit used to pay 35 rupees. However, amid food price inflation of 10 percent, the Anganwadi workers began to find it difficult to provide quality meals.
Knowing this, the tribal administration increased the budget for a one-time square meal to 45 rupees in Maharashtra. However, the Anganwadi trade unions demanded 70 rupees for a one-time square meal. Anganwadi workers are also finding it difficult to buy vegetables and eggs from vendors, with the government paying outstanding dues after months.
“As requested, children should have one hard-boiled egg four times a week, but seven times a month,” said Pandu Sani of NGO Khoj. “This noble initiative must be better implemented,” he added.
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