Chandigarh, 25 September:- Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini directed officials to expedite efforts to provide their own buildings on priority basis to Anganwadi centres currently operating from rented premises in the state. He said that construction of Anganwadi buildings should be taken up at the earliest. For this purpose, possibilities for constructing Anganwadi centres should be explored by identifying government land, land available in schools and other suitable locations.
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini was chairing a review meeting on various schemes related to the Women and Child Development Department in Chandigarh on Friday. Women and Child Development Minister Shrimati Shruti Chaudhary, Chief Minister's Principal Secretary Arun Kumar Gupta, Director of Women and Child Development Dr Priyanka Soni, Deputy Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Ajay Kumar and other senior officials were present at the meeting.
Priority to Anganwadi Centres Operating from Rented Buildings
The Chief Minister said that priority should be given to construction of buildings for Anganwadi centres that are currently operating from rented premises. He said that along with government land, land available in school complexes and suitable dharamshalas where Anganwadi centres can be operated should also be identified. He said that the concerned officials and public representatives should ensure better utilisation of available resources for construction of Anganwadi buildings.
Eligible Beneficiaries to Get Sanitary Pads Under Mahila and Kishori Samman Yojana
While reviewing the Mahila and Kishori Samman Yojana, the Chief Minister directed that quality sanitary pads should be provided free of cost to eligible BPL women and adolescent girls. He directed that proper registration of beneficiaries should be ensured, including recording their full name, phone number and necessary details, and that an accurate record of distribution should be maintained.
He said that in rural areas, availability of these products should also be ensured in schools through Jan Aushadhi Kendras and concerned distribution centres. In urban areas too, arrangements should be made to provide sanitary pads through Jan Aushadhi Kendras and schools. Directing that dispensing machines be installed wherever required, he said that all products provided to women and adolescent girls must meet quality standards.
Better Facilities for Children to be Ensured Under Mission Vatsalya
The Chief Minister also reviewed the arrangements at Child Care Institutions being operated under Mission Vatsalya. He directed that the Juvenile Justice Fund be increased and solar panels be installed at Children's Homes. He said that repair and maintenance of Children's Home buildings should be carried out properly and that children should be provided with a better, safe and positive environment. He directed the concerned officials to ensure regular inspection of Children's Homes so that the education, health, safety and other essential facilities of children there continue to be reviewed regularly.
Directions to Increase Juvenile Justice Fund
The Chief Minister directed that the Juvenile Justice Fund be increased to Rs 10 crore. In addition, he directed that the amount provided for immediate social and financial assistance to victims of sexual offences and offences under the POCSO Act be increased from Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000. He said that the entire process should be made effective so that victim children and their families receive timely assistance under the prescribed provisions.
Special Focus on Quality of Education in Child Care Institutions
The Chief Minister directed that special attention be given to the education of children residing in Child Care Institutions. He said that necessary arrangements should be made to improve the educational level of children. He also directed that financial assistance be provided to children with disabilities and appropriate arrangements be made for the education of children who wish to study in private schools. He said that the government should ensure all possible support for the education and upbringing of orphaned children residing in Child Care Institutions so that they can receive better education and become self-reliant.
