New Delhi: The Supreme Court was informed today that since March the entire Anganwadi system is closed and no means were provided. Rs 5 per day was the combined budget of the centre for pregnant women, lactating women and children.
The bench led by Justice Ashok Bhushan was hearing a matter pertaining to the implementation of schemes during Covid 19 through Anganwadis.
Senior Advocate Collin Gonsalves appearing for the petitioner told the court that malnourishment and hunger are at its epitome and education of children is getting hampered. Court responded asking if it would be right to call children at a time when even high schools are closed. Gonsalves said that children can be staggered in a group of 5 and can be provided meal in zones which are outside containment.
The Government told the court that it is mulling over reopening the Anganwadis centres and discussion is going on with the Women and Child Development ministry.
The Court asked the Centre to file a detailed affidavit/reply on the implementation of guidelines by the states and adjourned the hearing for 2 weeks.
Read: SC seeks Centre's response on mid-day meals