Nationwide strike hits flagship child nutrition project in northern India
According to reports, it has had a significant effect of the Mission Poshan Aarohan scheme to improve nutrition among children in the region.
In one district, Udham Singh Nagar, The Times of India is reporting there now 605 malnourished children.
When the scheme launched in May, that number stood at 422.
Aganwadi centres provide basic health care in villages, including contraceptive counselling, nutrition education, supplementation and pre-school activities.
However, more than 300 Anganwadi workers their helpers in the district went out on strike almost two months ago as part of a nationwide dispute over wages and employment rights.
This meant the nutrition scheme, which aimed to help 5,000 youngsters, has ground to a halt.
The programme ensured children received vitamin supplements, healthy foods and medical check-ups.
One local official said the nutrition kits, which includes oatmeal, roasted grams, barley, soyabean, raisins and butter peanuts as well as a protein supplement with multi-vitamin syrup, are no longer being distributed.
District magistrate Chandresh Yadav told the press he would review the situation and said all officers would be questioned.
