Hyderabad: Minister for Women and Child Welfare, Seethakka, has given strict instructions to ensure the uninterrupted supply of milk to Anganwadi centers, especially in remote areas. She stressed the importance of implementing welfare programs efficiently to achieve the government’s goal of a “Nutritious Telangana.”
The Minister held a review meeting on Saturday at the Secretariat to discuss the Aarogya Lakshmi scheme. Senior officials, including Women and Child Welfare Secretary Anitha Ramachandran and Director Kanthi Wesley, were present at the meeting.
The Aarogya Lakshmi scheme focuses on providing nutrition to pregnant women and lactating mothers. As part of the initiative, 200 ml of milk is distributed daily through Anganwadi centers. The milk, supplied in tetra packs by the government’s Vijaya Dairy, has achieved a 94% supply rate since December, with 1.56 crore liters delivered out of the 1.67 crore liters ordered.
Despite this progress, the Minister expressed dissatisfaction with delays in milk delivery to certain centers. She questioned Vijaya Dairy’s representatives about their ability to meet the required supply. Seethakka asked, “Can Vijaya Dairy supply the required amount of milk to Anganwadi centers or not? If not, should we reduce the order and procure from other sources?” She also warned that the government would take strict action if the milk supply issues were not resolved within three months.
The Minister highlighted the dual objectives of supporting farmers and ensuring the health of mothers and children. She noted that Vijaya Dairy sources milk from farmers and emphasized the need to balance farmer welfare with nutrition goals. “Any gaps in milk supply must be eliminated immediately,” she added.
