SHILLONG, 17 August – For the first time in Meghalaya, boiled eggs have been introduced into the existing Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNP) in up to 250 model centers in Anganwadi with the aim of benefiting 13,000 beneficiaries in the first phase of this initiative.
Introduced by the Meghalaya Early Childhood Development Mission (MECDM), in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare (DSW) and the Meghalaya State Rural Livelihoods Society (MSRLS), boiled eggs are an addition to hot cooked meals provided by the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) centers for children between the age group of 3 to 6 years, pregnant and lactating mothers in 46 blocks within the state.
According to a statement, boiled eggs were introduced to the SNP because they are known to be a good source of protein, iron, vitamins A, D, E and K, choline and Omega 3 fatty acids, which stimulate brain and heart development. general well-being. among children
Commenting on the initiative, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said: “This is our effort to ensure that children, pregnant and lactating mothers receive proper nutrition in their hot cooked meals at Anganwadi centres. This initiative also involves our NRLM promoted self-help groups who supply eggs to the centres.”
The ECD Mission has launched the supply of boiled eggs on a pilot basis for an interim period of three months (from 15 August to 15 November).
The egg supply will eventually be rolled out to all Anganwadi centers and discovered villages in phases through a decentralized procurement process in line with the Asian Development Bank Procurement Guidelines under the Meghalaya ECD Mission.
The distribution of boiled eggs has been carried out in all districts in 250 centers in Anganwadi with 150 SHGs and 26 NRLM-promoted village organizations involved in the implementation.
A total of 10,732 children and 2,924 pregnant and lactating mothers will benefit from this initiative.
The Meghalaya Early Childhood Development Mission focuses on providing motor and cognitive development, social-emotional development, health and nutrition, and early education development as key areas for the holistic development of children in the state.
In particular, the Mission serves 1,554 villages, which are not covered by the ICDS programme.
It follows a collaborative approach of the state departments of Health, Welfare, Education, Community and Rural Development.
