Minister Devi highlighted that fortified rice is being supplied to anganwadi centres across Punjab to combat micronutrient deficiencies.

Rs 318 Crore Boost: Center Fast-Tracks Funds for Punjab’s Women and Children

Union Minister Annpurna Devi informed the Rajya Sabha on Friday that the Centre has disbursed approximately Rs 318 crore to Punjab for various women and child welfare schemes during the 2024-25 fiscal year. The Minister said that the Union Government has reviewed and streamlined these welfare initiatives into three primary umbrella missions: ‘Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0’, ‘Mission Shakti’, and ‘Mission Vatsalya’.

According to the Minister, the largest share of funds, amounting to Rs 265.48 crore, was released under Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 to improve health and nutrition indicators. Additionally, Rs 38.05 crore was allocated to Mission Shakti for women's safety and empowerment, while Rs 14.76 crore was disbursed under Mission Vatsalya for child protection and welfare. 

Comparatively, in 2023-24, the state received Rs 307.87 crore for nutrition, Rs 42.89 crore for Mission Shakti, and Rs 15.44 crore for Mission Vatsalya.

Minister Devi further highlighted that fortified rice is being supplied to anganwadi centres across Punjab to combat micronutrient deficiencies and control anaemia. The government is also emphasising the use of millets in hot cooked meals at least once a week. 

Furthermore, the Ministry has launched the NAVYA initiative in collaboration with the Skill Development Ministry to provide vocational training to adolescent girls aged 16 to 18.

Source: The Tribune