Telangana Launches ‘Tholi Mudda’ Programme for Anganwadi Children

Why in News?

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy launched the Tholi Mudda breakfast scheme for Anganwadi children. The programme is being implemented in six selected districts, including Mulugu, where Women and Child Welfare Minister Dhanasari Anasuya Seethakka inaugurated it at the district Collectorate.

About Tholi Mudda

• The programme seeks to provide nutritious food to children during their early years.
• It focuses on the health, nourishment and holistic development of Anganwadi children.
• The State-level launch was held in the Legislative Assembly meeting hall.
• Ministers Dhanasari Anasuya Seethakka and Konda Surekha, Commission for Protection of Child Rights Chairperson Seetha Dayakar Reddy, senior officials, Anganwadi teachers and children participated in the programme.

Need for Early Childhood Nutrition

• The first six years are considered important for a child’s growth and development.
• Proper nutrition during this stage is necessary for the physical, mental and emotional development of children.
• Poor nutrition can result in health problems.
• The programme gives priority to preventive care instead of spending only after illness occurs.
• The nutrition plan was developed after discussions on the nutritional needs of pregnant women, unborn children and children after birth.

Target Beneficiaries

• The programme covers Anganwadi children aged between three and six years.
• Children suffering from malnutrition will receive additional nutritional support.
• The initiative is being implemented in six selected districts, including Mulugu.

Nutritional Support

Breakfast and Egg

• From October 1, Anganwadi centres will provide a nutritious breakfast along with an egg.
• The breakfast menu will include upma on one day and khichdi on another day.

Nutrition in Mulugu

• Children in Mulugu district are already being provided 100 ml of milk.
• They will now receive a diet comprising milk, eggs, breakfast and lunch.

Support for Malnourished Children

• Children suffering from malnutrition are being provided Balamrutham and Balamrutham Plus.
• These products form part of the nutritional support provided through Anganwadi centres.

Pre-primary Education

• Officials have been directed to provide pre-primary education at Anganwadi centres.
• Pre-primary education should be delivered through play and activities.
• Nutritious food and educational activities will be provided together at the centres.

Mobile Phones for Anganwadi Teachers

• The Chief Minister flagged off the distribution of mobile phones to Anganwadi teachers.
• The distribution programme was conducted at the Legislative Assembly meeting hall.

Anganwadi Enrolment

• Officials have been directed to ensure that every Anganwadi centre has at least 20 children.
• Anganwadi staff and officials are expected to work towards achieving this target.

Three-year Infrastructure Plan

Dedicated Buildings

• Officials have been directed to prepare a comprehensive action plan for constructing dedicated Anganwadi buildings across Telangana.
• The government aims to ensure that all Anganwadi centres function from their own buildings within the next three years.
• Centres should be shifted from rented premises to dedicated buildings.

Employment Guarantee Scheme

• Officials must identify Anganwadi centres that do not have their own buildings.
• Proposals should be prepared for constructing buildings under the employment guarantee scheme.

Basic Facilities

• Anganwadi centres will be provided with basic facilities, including drinking water, cupboards and tables.

Role of Anganwadi Workers

• Effective implementation at the grassroots level has been identified as essential for the programme.
• Anganwadi staff have been asked to perform their responsibilities with compassion and dedication.
• The government considers Anganwadi workers part of the government family.
• Their issues will be addressed on priority as fiscal space becomes available.

Conclusion

Tholi Mudda provides breakfast and nutritional support to Anganwadi children while combining it with pre-primary education. The programme also includes a three-year plan for dedicated Anganwadi buildings, basic facilities and support for Anganwadi workers.