Make the state anaemia-free: Andhra CM to Anganwadi workers

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday gave the responsibility to make the state anaemia free to Anganwadi teachers and workers, while addressing a meeting at Vijayawada.

"You have to make the state anaemic free within one year. You have to propagate the government schemes among the public," said the Chief Minister.

Chief Minister Naidu also said, he believes that the Anganwadi teachers and workers can make the state malnutrition free.

"You have the capacity to make the state malnutrition free one. You are taking care of the future generation. Further, you are creating awareness among pregnant women and girls entering teenage," said Naidu, adding, "You take care of children and pregnant women. I will take care of your requirements."

The Andhra Pradesh Chief minister also announced incentives like smart-phones and Chandranna Bima Yojana. He further stated that he has increased the salaries twice since he came to power.

Chief Minister Naidu also said that the Anganwadi teachers and workers will have to take responsibility of reducing malnutrition and early deaths.

"You have to take responsibility of reducing malnutrition, underweight, early deaths, and pregnant women death. Lactating women are highly anaemic in our state. Make them having nutritious food," said Naidu.

The Chief Minister also said that government is providing free medical tests for pregnant women, also a special diet "Balamrutam" for children aged between six months to four years with the support of the TATA Trust.

He also claimed that Andhra Pradesh to be the first government to provide 1.60 crores "Raksha" pads, nominal cost sanitary pads.

The chief minister also took a jibe at the Centre for non-cooperation, "Even though the centre does not cooperate, we can develop the state with your efforts."

Naidu also reprimanded the teachers and workers for a recent incident where a child was fed with chilli powder at an Anganwadi centre. He also warned of serious action against anyone who would commit a sexual offence.