Boiled eggs have been introduced under the existing Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) in 250 Model Anganwadi Centers (AWC’s), which is targeted to benefit 13,000 beneficiaries in the first phase.
This is an addition to the hot cooked meals provided by ICDS centres to children between the age group of 3 – 6 years, pregnant and lactating mothers across 46 blocks within the state.
The Meghalaya Early Childhood Development Mission (MECDM), in collaboration with Department of Social Welfare and Meghalaya State Rural Livelihood Society (MSRLS) has rolled out the provision of eggs on a pilot basis for an interim period of three months from August 15 to November 15.
“The egg distribution has been rolled out across all districts in 250 anganwadi centers with 150 SHGs and 26 VO’s promoted under NRLM engaged in the implementation, 10,732 children and 2,924 pregnant and nursing mothers benefitted from this roll out,” the statement here said.
The introduction of egg distribution is facilitated because eggs are known to be a good source of protein, iron, vitamin A, D, E and K, Choline and Omega 3 fatty acids which boosts brain development and overall well-being amongst children, the statement added.
This is the first time that distribution of boiled eggs is being initiated under the Meghalaya ECD Mission in collaboration with Social Welfare, which will be rolled out across all AWC’s and uncovered villages in a phase manner through a decentralized procurement process in line with Asian Development Bank Procurement Guidelines under Meghalaya ECD Mission.
It may be mentioned that the MECDM is a mission focused on providing motor and cognitive development, socio-emotional development, health and nutrition and early education development as key areas for the holistic development of children in Meghalaya.
The mission is catering to 1,554 villages, which are not being covered under the ICDS programme with collaborative approach from Health, Social Welfare, Education, Community & Rural Development departments of the State.
