Dehradun: Chief Secretary Mrs. Radha Raturi held a review meeting at the Secretariat regarding the underperforming indicators related to the Women and Child Development and Labor Departments under the SDG Index 2023-24. During the meeting, she directed both departments to rationalize their schemes in order to improve the indicators.
Special Registration Drive for Pregnant Women to Begin
In the meeting, the Chief Secretary instructed the Women and Child Development Department to launch a 15-day campaign from October 4 to register pregnant women working in unorganized sectors, including those working at construction sites, domestic workers, and women residing in urban slums, under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY). This campaign aims to increase participation of pregnant women in government schemes.
Directive to Ensure 100% Coverage of PMMVY
The Chief Secretary issued strict orders to ensure 100% coverage of all pregnant women, especially those from lower-income groups, under the PMMVY. Additionally, she instructed the Labor Department to review the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) to extend its benefits to low-income workers and sanitation staff.
Coordinated Strategy to Tackle Maternal Mortality and Malnutrition
The Chief Secretary directed all departments to work with a coordinated strategy to reduce maternal mortality, anemia in pregnant women and adolescent girls, and malnutrition in children. She emphasized that ANMs must ensure three mandatory ANC checkups for pregnant women and conduct death audits for any maternal deaths during childbirth. Moreover, she stressed the need for a special plan to promote the distribution of millets through Anganwadi centers.
