52,490 children in DK to get milk powder

There are 891 severely underweight children in district, says official

 The Karnataka government is all set to provide free milk powder to children from next month.

Children between six months and three years, registered in anganawadi centres will receive 500 gm Nandini milk powder, which the government will purchase from the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF).

The KMF has agreed to distribute the milk powder at a discounted rate of Rs 130 per kg and will make 500 gram packets to enable easy distribution.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, DK Women and Child Welfare Department Deputy Director Shakunthala said that 52,490 children in the district will benefit from this scheme. The child will be given milk prepared from the powder if he/she is attending the anganawadi. Parents of children at home can collect the powder from anganawadi centres every month, she said.

Underweight children

There are 891 severely underweight children in the district, including  699 in anganawadi centres. The Government will be providing four eggs a week and fresh milk twice a week at the anganawadi centres to all underweight children below six years. Children who are at home should accompany their parents to the centres everyday and consume egg and milk. The food will be given to the mother in case the child is too small. For children who do not eat egg, milk will be given six days in a week, she said.

Electrification

The DK Women and Child Welfare Department is all set to take electrification work in 1,597 anganawadi centres. "There are 2,102 anganawadis in the district, of which 1,597 buildings are owned by the department. We aim to provide electricity to all these buildings by January," said Shakunthala.

Each anganawadi will be provided with two lights, one fan and one plug point. The department will spend Rs 8,500 per anganawadi. As many as 370 anganawadis have already been electrified and work on 226 anganawadis is currently in progress, she added.