SHILLONG, June 14: In what may be termed an achievement, the figures of Aadhaar-seeded ICDS beneficiaries have jumped to 78.21% out of 4.45 lakh total beneficiaries from the earlier 13%, which was abysmal and threatened the state’s allocation of Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) from the Centre to be cut down to 10%.
It may be noted that three districts from Garo Hils region even breached the 95 per cent Aadhaar saturation mark.
The state government was alarmed at the prospect of cutting down of SNP allocation by the Ministry of Women and Child Development due to the poor Aadhaar seeding of pregnant and lactating women along with the infants and children belonging to the age group of 0-6 years in the state.
As a result, the Social Welfare department launched an Aadhaar saturation campaign to enrol and seed all eligible beneficiaries whose Aadhaar seeding would be reflected in the POSHAN tracker. By dint of that enrolment, they would be entitled to receive supplementary nutrition in Anganwadi centres.
Launched less than a month ago, the campaign has achieved laudable results.
“Garo Hills districts have performed commendably in spite of the hot and humid weather and power outages showing nothing is impossible where there is grit and determination. Three districts from Garo Hills have breached 95 per cent Aadhar saturation mark and two are in and around 90 per cent. Jaintia Hills districts and Ri-Bhoi have also done well,” informed the department.
It was also informed that the districts from Khasi Hills region have covered ground but not enough, especially South West Khasi Hills and West Khasi Hills.
The Deputy Commissioners of all districts were appreciated for deploying innovative strategies and ideas to resolve issues and motivate their staff.
The Social Welfare department congratulated all the DCs and Social Welfare department officers, DPOs of ICDS, CDPOs and Anganwadi workers and helpers for putting in remarkable efforts in this campaign which had a clarion call – ‘No Aadhar Saturation, No Rest’.
Principal Secretary to Social Welfare department, Sampath Kumar, has assured that all special efforts will be acknowledged and rewarded.
