RAIPUR: Taking another measure towards eradication of malnutrition, a Phulwari scheme has been launched for children between age group 6 months and 3 years. It has been launched with an objective to keep children healthy by providing them nutrition.
In initial phase, the scheme will be implemented in 85 tribal blocks of 19 districts in the state, where 2,850 Phulwari centers will be operated. Besides pregnant women and mothers, children of this age group will be looked after for seven hours at Phulwari centers and will be served balanced nutritious and hot-cooked meals.
As Phulwari scheme is a significant initiative in the field of nutrition, Panchayat Raj institutes have also been associated for its effective implementation. Currently, 300 Phulwari centers are being operated in Sarguja district. This project costs Rs 10 crore. Panchayats and rural development department has issued a circular to the collectors and CEOs of jila panchayats for implementation of Phulwari scheme.
Department officials said that Phulwari centers will be established in North Bastar (Kanker), Kondagaon, Bastar (Jagdalpur), Sukma, Bijapur, South Bastar (Dantewada), Narayanpur, Korba, Koriya, Gariaband, Jashpur, Dhamtari, Balod, Bilaspur, Rajnandgaon, Raigarh, Sarguja, Surajpur, and Balrampur district.