CHANDIGARH: Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur conducted a surprise inspection of the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) offices in Faridkot and Gidderbaha following concerns raised through a video about the substandard quality of food provided to children and pregnant women at Anganwadi centers.
During her visit, Dr. Kaur inspected the food supplies of the supplementary nutrition program, including sweet Dalia, khichdi and puffed rice stored at the offices. She personally oversaw the preparation and tasted the dishes on-site, expressing satisfaction with their quality.
Dr. Kaur emphasized that all high-quality food items for Anganwadi centers across Punjab are supplied by Markfed, Punjab. These items undergo rigorous quality checks at the district level by the District Program Officer, Child Development Project Officer, nutrition staff and supervisors before distribution. She also scrutinized the packaging, manufacturing and expiry dates of the stored items.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is committed to the welfare of its citizens, implementing various people-centric schemes. Dr. Kaur reaffirmed the Government's dedication to providing excellent health facilities to the people of Punjab.
Department representatives clarified that the ration provided by the Punjab Government has a shelf life of three months and is promptly distributed to Anganwadi centers upon receipt at the CDPO's office. They assured Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur that the food quality is thoroughly checked before distribution. Additionally, Anganwadi helpers receive regular training on preparation methods and samples are collected regularly to ensure ongoing quality assurance.
On this occasion, the District Program Officer, District Manager of Markfed and the Child Development Program Officer were also present.