Dhamtari, Dec 15 : The Women and Child Development Department is providing nutritious food to pregnant women and lactating mothers through Anganwadi centres under the Ready-to-Eat (RTE) scheme in Chhattisgarhâ??s Dhamtari.

The objective of this initiative is to ensure adequate nutrition for expectant mothers so that the child growing in the womb is born healthy.

The government is spending crores of rupees on this scheme to build a healthy and strong future for the nation.

Lactating mothers in Dhamtari district said they are receiving nutritious food regularly through Anganwadi centres.

According to them, this government initiative is extremely beneficial for the poor and needy families, as financial constraints often make it difficult to purchase nutritious food from the market.

The Ready-to-Eat food provides essential nutrients such as protein, vitamins, calories, calcium, and iron, leading to visible improvements in the health of both mothers and children.

Health experts have also termed the scheme beneficial. Speaking to IANS, Dr Avadh Pachori said that Ready-to-Eat food is pre-cooked and packed before being distributed to pregnant and lactating women through Anganwadi centres by the Women and Child Development Department. It is easy to consume and rich in nutrients.

He added that Ready-to-Eat food helps reduce malnutrition, especially among mothers and children who need supplementary nutrition or are suffering from anaemia and protein deficiency.

Consuming this food two to four times a day results in significant health improvements. He described it as a highly beneficial government scheme.

Lactating mother Nandini Yadav shared that her child had a very low weight at the time of birth. After that, she began receiving porridge and other nutritious items under the Ready-to-Eat scheme from the Anganwadi centre, which led to rapid weight gain in her child.

She expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai for launching the scheme.

Another lactating mother, Savita Dhruv, said her babyâ??s weight was extremely low after delivery. She learned about the Ready-to-Eat food available at Anganwadi centres from a relative. After receiving nutritious food regularly, her childâ??s development has improved significantly.

Anganwadi worker Damyanti Sahu said that 11 children are registered at her centre. The children are served sweet halwa and savoury porridge for breakfast.

Along with this, they are engaged in various activities. In the afternoon, as per the fixed menu, green vegetables, soybean nuggets, and mixed lentils are served.

She added that this system is leading to continuous improvement in the health and development of the children.

/IANS