Punjab Leads in Child Nutrition Improvement, Minister Reviews Welfare Schemes

The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, continues to prioritize the welfare of children and women alongside other sectors. To further this objective, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur convened a meeting with District Program Officers and Child Development Project Officers on Tuesday at MGSIPA to discuss crucial departmental schemes and issues.

During the meeting, Dr. Baljit Kaur highlighted that the Punjab government has achieved a significant reduction in malnutrition among children under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's tenure. Union Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi confirmed in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on July 26 that stunting among children in Punjab has decreased from 22.08% in 2022 to 17.65% in 2024, wasting has reduced from 9.54% to 3.17%, and underweight children have declined from 12.58% to 5.57%.

Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that Punjab has been ranked first among neighboring states, including Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan, in reducing malnutrition among children. Official statistics show a rapid decline in the number of malnourished children in Punjab over the last two years. According to the 'POSHAN Tracker,' key indicators such as stunting, wasting and underweight have significantly improved among children aged 0-5 years in the state.

Addressing reports of a scam in the distribution of panjiri to children at Anganwadi centers in Punjab, Dr. Baljit Kaur gave clear instructions and protocol for implementation of the scheme. The minister assured that any lapse in the implementation of the scheme would face strict action, as the food provided at Anganwadi centers directly affects the health of children, pregnant women and lactating mother.

Dr. Baljit Kaur also highlighted the 'POSHAN Tracker,' a mobile-based application launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, which identifies stunted, wasted and underweight children. The Tracker aims to provide nutritional services to the most vulnerable members of society. The minister noted that nutrition profile of the items delivered has been revised to tackle malnutrition more effectively, emphasizing dietary diversity and fortified foods to meet protein, healthy fats and micronutrient requirements.

In addition, Dr. Baljit Kaur discussed the need to upgrade Anganwadi centers and instructed district program officers to submit cases for the same. She also addressed issues related to the quality checking, complaints, and feedback regarding the supply of supplementary nutrition food under the SNP scheme.

The Minister instructed the officials to ensure the registration of every beneficiary. Verification of old CAS cases should also be prioritized.

Furthermore, Dr. Baljit Kaur expressed concern over the declining sex ratio of girls under the Beti Padhao Beti Bachao schemes. She urged district officials to investigate the reasons behind this decline and to provide a detailed report promptly.

Special Chief Secretary of Social Security, Women, and Child Development, Raji P. Shrivastava, emphasized the support from workers, labour families, nomadic communities, and various groups in Punjab in the department's efforts. She said the use of millets in the SNP at least once a week and the provision of take-home rations at Anganwadi centers are being prioritized.

Director of Social Security Women and Child Development Department Dr. Shena Aggarwal instructed all the District Program Officers and Block Development Project Officers that check and verify if any deficiency is found in the salty porridges, sweet porridges, Murmure Khichdi etc given to the children in Anganwadi Centers, should be brought to her attention immediately. She said that Markfed is an institution of Punjab government. The goods sent by Markfed are subjected to regular sampling and laboratory tests. If any deficiency is found in them, it should be brought to her attention.