Paul seek Centre’s support to extend ICDS coverage in over 1500 villages in Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 31, 2023

Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Monday sought the intervention of the Union Minister of Women and Child Development Smriti Zubin Irani for setting up of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) centres in over 1500 villages in the state. 

Speaking to reporters through a video conferencing from Delhi, Lyngdoh said the union minister has assured to release the central share of 90 per cent after matching with the 10 percent of state share for the purpose of setting up of ICDS centres in the state.

According to him, over 1500 villages in Meghalaya are yet to be covered under the ICDS, which was designed to promote holistic development of children under 6 years, through the strengthened capacity of caregivers and communities with improved access to basic services at the community level.

Asked, Lyngdoh said that the setting up of ICDS centres will be done in a phase manner.

The minister also informed that union minister has also assured that implementation of the Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) under the ICDS will continue in the state of Meghalaya.

Earlier, the Centre had threatened to stop the SNP implementation due to fear of misappropriation since majority of the beneficiaries do not have aadhaar card.

“When I took over the department, the aadhaar card coverage was only 13% but from May to June, it has gone up to 95% and as of today, the aadhaar coverage stands at 97%,” Lyngdoh said.

Further, Lyngdoh also took up the issue related to the four months pending salary of the Poshan workers in the state and said that the union minister had assured to release the same within two months’ time.

He said that 2-3 additional DPOs will also be appointed very soon.

Regarding the Nirbhaya Scheme, Lyngdoh said that the department would soon submit a proposal for the identification and setting up of infrastructure for girls at the border belts of the state.