Cabinet meeting: Nutrition value of adolescent girls, pregnant, lactating women increased

New Delhi [India], September 20 (ANI): The Cabinet has approved an increase in cost norms for Supplementary Nutrition, provided in Anganwadi and in scheme for Adolescent girls (out of school and are 11-14 years), under the Umbrella Integrated Child Development (ICDs) Scheme, on Wednesday.

During a Cabinet meeting, Union Minister Arun Jaitley said that the Cabinet has also approved the annual cost indexation for increase in rates in the future.

He said that the child's nutrition value was Rs.6 it has been made Rs. 8, while that of adolescent and pregnant woman's has been made to 9 and a half rupees, and those who come in the category of "severe malnutrition" their nutrition value has been increased to Rs. 12 from Rs.9.

"Government will, over the next three year, invest an additional Rs. 12,000 crore for the nutrition of pregnant and lactating women, children in the age group of 0-6 years, and out of school and adolescent girls," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said.

The Cabinet meeting also briefed that the increase in cost norms would have a positive impact on the health and nutritional status of about 11 crore beneficiaries every year.

"This would benefit pregnant women and lactating mothers and children between the age group of six months to three year attending the Anganwadi centres at more than 13.50 lakh locations; and adolescent girls," said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, while addressing the media.

Following are the revised rates of per day beneficiaries approved by the Cabinet:

- Children (6-72 months) - Rs. 8.00 revised from Rs. 6.0o earlier

- Pregnant women and Lactating mothers - Rs. 9.50 revised from Rs. 7.00

- Severely malnourished - Rs 12.00 revised from Rs. 9.00

- Adolescent Girls (Out of School 11-14 years) - Rs 9.50 revised from Rs. 5.00(ANI)