Jharsuguda: District Collector Shri Kunal Motiram Chavan has introduced a mandatory Face Recognition System (FRS) across all Anganwadi centers to modernize the monitoring of rural welfare programs. This digital shift is designed to eliminate manual errors and ensure the physical presence of both workers and beneficiaries, thereby creating a more accountable and transparent delivery system for government services. By utilizing biometric technology, the administration aims to ensure that nutritional and health benefits reach the intended recipients without any diversion or administrative leakage.
During a recent review meeting of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), the District Collector Shri Chavan emphasized that reducing the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) remains a top priority for the district. To achieve this, the administration is focusing on strengthening the healthcare network at the village level. Improved coordination between ASHA workers and Anganwadi staff has been mandated to ensure 100% institutional deliveries and comprehensive immunization coverage for every child in the district.
A significant nutritional intervention was also announced for the Laikera project, where children will now receive ragi laddus as part of their daily supplement. The decision to include ragi is based on its high calcium and iron content, which is vital for combating anemia and malnutrition in growing children. This initiative forms a core part of the district’s strategy to improve the health metrics of the younger population through local, sustainable, and nutrient-dense food sources.
Further directives were issued to improve the physical infrastructure of Anganwadi centers, including the urgent provision of clean drinking water and functional sanitation facilities.
The District Collector has also ordered the timely distribution of Take Home Ration (THR) to pregnant and lactating women, coupled with rigorous growth monitoring for children in the Severely Acute Malnourished (SAM) and Moderately Acute Malnourished (MAM) categories. District Social Welfare Officers and Child Development Project Officers have been tasked with submitting regular progress reports to ensure these mandates are effectively executed.