COVID-19: SC seeks implementation of guidelines by Centre, states on Anganwadis

Supreme Court has directed Centre, state governments and ministration in Union Territories to file respective affidavits on steps taken to implement guidelines issued on operation of Anganwi services in context of COVID-19 pandemic. A bench heed by Justice Ashok Bhushan passed order asking Centre to file detailed affidavit while states may file ditional affidavits.

" affidavit has been filed on behalf of Union of India. In affidavit, it has been stated that decision has been taken on vember 11, 2020, and guidelines issued on operation of Anganwi services with operational guidance te for continuation of services in context of COVID-19 which has been brought on record," bench said in its order.

"Let Government of India file a detailed affidavit with regard to implementation of guidelines dated vember 11, 2020. states may also file an ditional affidavit regarding measures taken with regard to guidelines dated vember 11, 2020, issued by Government of India," bench said furr in order.

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This comes after a plea was filed by Dipika Jagatram Sahani from Maharashtra, who sought direction relating to immediate re-opening of all Anganwi centres in country which were closed amid COVID-19 pandemic. plea stated that Anganwi centres across country came to a "sudden halt" and poor pregnant and lactating women and children were impacted.  SC asked Centre and States to file affidavits in that regard too within two weeks and posted next hearing for December 14.

Provision of hot cooked meals

Apex Court has also directed Centre, states and UTs to provide hot cooked meals, rations in concurrence with  provisions of National Food Security Act, 2013 as well as Supplementary Nutrition (under Integrated Child Development Services Scheme) Rules, 2020.

ditional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati said that Central government has ensured that door to door delivery services can go on and such centres can operate with proper sanitation protocols and COVID-19 safety measures.

Senior vocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for petitioner, h stated that for small children up to six years, neir food r any education is provided. "From March 2020 to date, Anganwi system is closed. Pregnant women, lactating mors and children are all suffering. Undernutrition is one of main causes of morbidity during COVID-19," he said while ding that starvation like situation is prevailing in country.

(With ANI inputs)

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