Tuensang, November 5 (MExN): The Department of Social Welfare, Government of Nagaland officially launched the Communitisation of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) on November 3 in Tuensang District. This unique initiative is being implemented in collaboration with Eleutheros Christian Society (ECS) and it will be carried out in 20 villages of Tuensang District, in the initial phase.
Dellirose M. Sakhrie (IAS), Secretary, Social Welfare Department who was the chief guest emphasized that, ICDS is a comprehensive scheme to cater to 6 basis services for children between the age of 0-6 years and lactating mothers, i.e., supplementary nutrition, preschool non- formal education, nutrition and health education, immunization, health check-up and referral services. She expressed her hope that, this decentralization process to communitise the ICDS will serve all these objectives and ensured that the Anganwandi Centre is run efficiently in their respective localities. She further encouraged the community to be aware about their entitlements and make ICDS function effectively in their respective District.
Merang T. Aier, Director, Social Welfare shared that the Department will be handicapped without the support of the community and stressed that ICDS scheme can be successfully implemented in the state only if the community leaders and stakeholders are willing to actively participate and make it their own.
Rev. Dr. Chingmak, Secretary, ECS shared about the initiatives undertaken under ICDS and gave a power point presentation on the status of children and their development indicators in the Anganwadi centres.
Alem Jongshi, Deputy Commissioner, Tuensang expressed appreciation that ECS is a well-established society who have proved their commitment to genuinely serve the people and hoped that more NGOs will work like ECS to make Nagaland a better State.
Bano Vinito Chishi, Chairperson, Nagaland State Social Welfare Board (NSSWB), who was the guest of honour exhorted the gathering and encouraged the community leaders, mothers and SHGs to come together and work for the wellbeing of the children in their respective villages, like they would take care of their own child.
Gracy Ayee, State Coordinator, State Resource Centre for Women shared about Women helpline (181), 24x7 helpline toll free number and One Stop Centre which caters to women affected by violence. She also gave information about schemes for girl child- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Sukanya Samriddhi Account scheme Yojana.
Asalie Alex Kruse, Project manager, NSSWB shared about Microfinance and Self Help Groups and the benefits that can be availed under the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation.
The Social welfare Department officials later travelled to Hakchang and Maksha Villages and visited the Anganwadi Centres being implemented by the ECS as Communitisation project of ICDS.
