Two-day workshop for field functionaries on various schemes implemented through Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) in Leh was concluded on August 5.

The workshop was organised by the Social and Tribal Welfare Department of UT Ladakh as a part of the Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav celebrations. Lieutenant Governor, UT Ladakh, R K Mathur, was the chief guest for the concluding ceremony.

Appreciating the contribution of the ICDS workers during the pandemic in monitoring COVID-19 cases and distribution of rations, R K Mathur highlighted their noteworthy role and the need for their continued assistance for the community at large.

The workshop for the field functionaries of ICDS focused on learning and replicating the best practices followed at different Anganwadi Centres (AWCs). ICDS is one of the flagship programmes of the Government of India and represents one of the world’s largest and unique programmes for early childhood care and development for children under the 0-6 age group.

L-G Mathur lauded the initiative of the Social Welfare Department for organising the workshop aimed at learning and adopting the best practices implemented through ICDS in Leh and Kargil districts. He hoped that the workshop would prove beneficial for improving the functioning of ICDS programmes in Ladakh.

He also stressed the need to work hard to provide all the facilities available at the Anganwadi centres, including providing running water and dry toilets. L-G Mathur hoped to see the process of co-locating Anganwadi centres with schools carried out on a priority basis.

Speaking on the possibility of the third Covid-19 wave, LG Mathur shared that the administration would soon launch a drive to boost the immunity of the population yet to be vaccinated, i.e. children below 18 years and pregnant women. He said that the ICDS workers would play a pivotal role in delivering immunity boosters and health supplements to children and pregnant women.

Secretary, Social Welfare, Padma Angmo stressed the need for learning and adopting best practices followed by the AWCs under ICDS in both Leh and Kargil districts. She expressed hope to see AWCs in Kargil co-located with schools or other government buildings on the line of AWCs in Leh districts. She added that the interaction between the ICDS functionaries of both districts should continue even beyond the workshop.

Secretary Padma stated that the best practices adopted by AWCs in Ladakh, including grading Anganwadi Centres at Nubra, Poshan Vatika (Nutri Graden) at Marteselang, using local organic materials for teaching and learning methods and practising yoga at AWCs in Kargil, would be replicated in other AWCS at the earliest.

The concerned ICDS officials shared the issues faced by them and Secretary Padma assured to take up the matter forward after qualitative analysis of the issues.

Director, Social Welfare Department, Mohammad Mumtaz Ali expressed hope that the workshop would be the ideal platform for exchanging ideas on the best practices implemented through ICDS. He also shared the details about the administrative formalities required for the smooth functioning of the ICDS centres and the proper implementation of the various schemes under them.

Child Development Project Officer (CDPO), Kharu, Nubra and Nyoma presented the best initiatives/practices taken under the ICDS project in their respective areas. Similarly, ICDS supervisors from Leh and Kargil districts shared best practices and success stories from their areas.

Resource persons from National Institute Planning Corporation and Child Development (NIPCCD), Mohali, Dr. Monika Sharma and Sunil Kumar, shared the best practices in ICDS based on supplementary nutrition, early childhood care & education, community participation & practices under corporate social responsibility & NGOs. They also shared other best practices followed under ICDS in other parts of the country.

Director, Social Welfare Department, Leh, Mohd Mumtaz Ali; District Planning Officer, ICDS, Leh, Tsering Palden; District Social Welfare Officers; Child Development Project Officers and ICDS Supervisors from both Leh and Kargil districts and the concerned departmental officials participated in the two-day workshop.