SHILLONG, Aug 17: For the first time in Meghalaya, boiled eggs were introduced to the existing supplementary nutrition programme (SNP) in as many as 250 model Anganwadi centres with the target of benefitting 13,000 beneficiaries in the first phase of this initiative.
Introduced by Meghalaya Early Childhood Development Mission (MECDM), in collaboration with Department of Social Welfare (DSW) and Meghalaya State Rural Livelihood Society (MSRLS), boiled eggs are an addition to the hot cooked meals provided by Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) centres to children between the age group of 3-6 years, pregnant and lactating mothers across 46 blocks within the state.
According a statement, boiled eggs were introduced in the SNP as they are known to be a good source of protein, iron, vitamin A, D, E & K, choline and Omega 3 fatty acids, which boosts brain development and overall well-being amongst children.
Commenting on the initiative, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said, “This is our endeavour to ensure children, pregnant and lactating mothers receive adequate nutrition in their hot cooked meals at the Anganwadi centres. This initiative also involves our self-help groups promoted by NRLM who supply eggs to the centres.”
The ECD Mission has rolled out the provision of boiled eggs on a pilot basis for an interim period of three months (August 15 to November 15).
The supply of eggs will eventually be rolled out across all Anganwadi centres and uncovered villages in phases through a decentralised procurement process in line with Asian Development Bank Procurement Guidelines under Meghalaya ECD Mission.
The distribution of boiled eggs has been rolled out across all districts in 250 Anganwadi centres with 150 self-help groups and 26 village organisations promoted under NRLM engaged in the implementation.
A total of 10,732 children and 2,924 pregnant and nursing mothers will avail the benefit of this initiative.
The Meghalaya Early Childhood Development Mission is focused on providing motor and cognitive development, socio-emotional development, health and nutrition and early education development as key areas for the holistic development of children in the state.
Notably, the Mission is catering to 1,554 villages, which are not being covered under the ICDS programme.
It follows a collaborative approach from Health, Social Welfare, Education, Community & Rural Development departments of the state.
