Telangana urges Centre to continue ‘Poshan Abhiyan’

State delegation asks for higher allocation of millets for ‘Balamritam’

Telangana government has requested the Centre to continue the ‘Poshan Abhiyan’ programme to help overcome nutritional deficiency among pregnant women, lactating mothers and children below five years age. The scheme is set to conclude on September 30. Minister for Women Development and Child Welfare Sathyavathi Rathod along with delegation of MP M. Kavitha, MLA B. Haripriya Naik, Warangal Mayor and former MP G. Sudharani called on Union Minister for Women and Child Welfare Smriti Irani in New Delhi on Friday and made several requests on the schemes of the department. Ms. Rathod requested the Union Minister to restore the reduced Central share in Anganwadi centres, implement Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana to Anganwadi teachers and helpers, increase the quota of millets such as sorghum and pearl millet given under the nutrition programme. She also sought Centre’s assistance in increasing the production of ‘Balamritam’, a nutritional supplement, stating that there was a big demand from several States for its supply.