'Increase allocation to fight child malnutrition'

Central Trade Unions on Friday demanded an allocation of  Rs 35,000 crore in the ensuing budget to fight child malnutrition.

 They submitted a memorandum to finance minister P Chidambaram for an increase in allocation of  funds to Integrated Child Development Services Scheme (ICDS) for the purpose.

Joint memorandum

 The trade unions that gave the joint memorandum to the finance minister include AITUC, CITU, HMS and INTUC.

“The financial allocations made to ICDS over the years have not been adequate to ensure its effective implementation and realisation of its full potential in improving the conditions of our children,” the trades union said in their statement.

 “The Minister of Women and Child Development has reportedly announced that the Ministry would demand Rs 2 lakh crore for ICDS in the in Five Year Plan. But it is highly regrettable that only rupees 1.23 lakh crore are allocated in the 12 five year  plan for ICDS. This is grossly inadequate,” they said.  

“Hence, we request you to allocate at least Rs 35000 crore in the ensuing Union Budget to ensure effective implementation of the Integrated Child Development Services Scheme, by improving the infrastructure at the anganwadi centres, regular supply of good quality supplementary nutrition in the required quantities, good quality of  pre-school education kits and also improving the working conditions of the anganwadi workers and helpers,” said the trades union.