Seethakka seeks Centre’s support for Telangana women and child welfare programmes

Hyderabad: Telangana Women and Child Welfare Minister Seethakka met Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi on Friday. She sought the Centre’s support for Telangana women and child welfare programmes. She requested financial assistance for nutrition initiatives, higher Anganwadi honorarium support and a special programme to tackle anaemia among adolescent girls.

During the meeting, Seethakka submitted representations on several issues concerning the state’s women and child welfare sector. She informed the Union minister that the Telangana government had been providing breakfast and milk to children through Anganwadi centres. According to Seethakka, the initiative had helped address malnutrition among children. Therefore, she requested Central financial assistance to continue the programme.

Telangana women and child welfare proposals include Anganwadi and nutrition support

Further, Seethakka urged the Centre to increase its share of Anganwadi teachers’ and helpers’ honorariums. She said the Central government currently bore only 20 per cent of the expenditure. However, she said the contribution should be increased in view of rising living costs.

Additionally, the minister submitted another representation seeking Rs.100 crore. The funds are meant for a special nutrition programme for adolescent girls. The proposal aims to reduce anaemia by distributing special nutritional food.

Finally, Seethakka requested the Union government to extend full support to the state’s welfare initiatives. She said the Telangana government remained committed to the welfare of women and children.