By Sandeep Pattnaik
& Brahmi Priya SamantrayBhubaneswar: Odisha has achieved a higher scale in delivery of Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) services, as its frequency of delivery services is above 80%, a Planning commission survey said.
As per the commission's report, programmes under SNP, which provides for quality nutritional food to children and pregnant women in the state, remain above satisfactory level.
This was made possible by decentralization of Supplementary Nutrition Programme, an initiative by the state government, under which Anganwadi Centers (AWC) are empowered to procure food materials locally at an affordable price.
In a State Level Monitoring & Review Committee Meeting held under chairmanship of Chief Secretary Sri Bijay Kumar Patnaik, W & CD Secretary, Smt. Arati Ahuja outlined about the production of supplementary nutrition involving community through local women group.
The said programme was also hailed for its success by Commissioners of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, Ahuja said.
Citing the decentralization process of procuring foods under SNP as the best practice followed by the W & CD department of Govt of Odisha, Hon’ble Commissioners Dr. S. R. Saxena and Sj. Harsh Mander recommended the model to be followed by other states.
The Planning Evaluation Organization (PEO) of Planning Commission in its quick evaluation study of Major Developmental Programmes in left wing infected districts also found out high level of satisfaction among people for AWC services in left wing affected areas.
While congratulating the department for these achievements Chief Secretary Sri Patnaik has advised to empower the Janch committees and Mothers committees with more knowledge & information on nutrition.
Sri Patnaik has also advised them to plan for their orientation and training at block level through reliable NGO’s. The department has been advised to develop a comprehensive plan for communication on nutrition in consultation with experts from State Institute of Health and draw up a year long calendar of communication activities.
Chief Secretary has advised the department to undertake training programmes for SHG engaged in THR (Take Home Ration) production and ICDS supervisors about how to maintain nutrition level in THR.
Other important issues that figured in meeting related to fighting malaria, malnutrition, making CHC’s ( Community Health Centers) more effective, service oriented and attractive for handling institutional delivery.
Opinion was expressed in the meeting that the mothers should be encouraged to stay at least for 2 days in the hospital with their new born babies for proper care and treatment. Chief Secretary advised to department to plan out details for giving them child health, feeding and sanitation information along with a model baby kit in hospital.
The Development Commissioner Sri Jugal Kishore Mohapatra advised the department to prepare a detail plan for development of maternal and child care units in CHCs and ensure deployment of gynaecology specialist in each CHCs. The department has been advised to saturate distribution of mosquito nets in all the endemic areas and take up intensive campaign for prevention and detection of activities in all these areas.
Reviewing Pre-school and early child hood education activities in ICDS centers Chief Secretary has advised the department to develop a best model for children with inputs from experts and activist operating in the filed of early childhood education.
Secretary Rural Development Sri S.N.Tripathy participating in discussion on sanitation activities in AWC suggested that the beneficiaries covered under MAMATA can be obliged to construct their household toilets. And if they do it added Sri Tripathy, Department will provide them financial and technical assistance to the tune of Rs.10, 000/-, that will be transmitted to their bank accounts directly.
Secretary Labour CTM Suguna, Director NRHM Sri P.Meherda along with other senior officers and members participated in deliberations.
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