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The Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Smt. Kanti Singh presented the National Anganwadi Workers’ Awards for Exceptional Achievement for the Years 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 at a glittering function here today. 40 women from across the country who have worked for the success of the Integrated Child Development Services(ICDS) in their respective regions received the Awards.
ICDS Scheme aims at the holistic development of children (0-6 years) and pregnant and lactating mothers from disadvantaged sections. It provides for integrated services comprising supplementary nutrition, immunization, health check-ups, referral services, pre-school non-formal education and nutrition and health education. Currently, services under the scheme are being provided to about 439 lakh beneficiaries, comprising about 366 lakh children(0-6 years) and about 73 lakh pregnant and lactating mothers through a network of about 6.65 lakh Anganwadi Centres.
The successful implementation of the scheme rests on the commitment of the Anganwadi workers, who are grass root level honorary workers. In order to motivate the Anganwadi Workers and give recognition to their good voluntary work, the Department of Women & Child Development constituted the Scheme of Award to Anganwadi Workers under the ICDS Scheme. The Award is given to selected Anganwadi Workers on the basis of their dedication and exemplary performances. The Award is at two level- the State/UT level and the National Level. The National Level Award consists of cash award of Rs. 25, 000 and a citation.
Presenting the awards, Smt. Singh lauded the exemplary work being performed by the Anganwadi Workers and said that it will also motivate many others to work towards the goal of reaching out to the neglected sections of the society, especially in far-flung areas. She said that National Common Minimum Programme of the UPA Government lays emphasis on the development of women and children. “ Your hands are touching the people where the Government’s hand is not reaching”, she said.
Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary, Department of Women and Child Development, Smt. Reva Nayyar called upon the State Governments to also present the State level awards which will be a good incentive for others to emulate.
The Chairperson of National Commission for Women, Smt. Poornima Advani was also present on the occasion.
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