Read on Twitter
#SupremeCourt is hearing the case relating to implementation Schemes through Aganwadi Centers, during Covid.
Plea contends that many children went hungry during #COVID19 due as the centres were ill-equipped.
Plea contends that many children went hungry during #COVID19 due as the centres were ill-equipped.
ASG Aishwarya Bhati tells the bench that a call on the reopening of Anganwadi centres outside containment zones is being discussed with the Ministry of women and child development.
Senior Advocate Collin Gonsalves: Now My Lords, can I tell you the real picture please? Recommendations made to re-start the anganwadis but a wrong picture being presented.
Gonsalves: The entire anganwadi system closed since March and no meal given. "Meal" which was given was a supplementary meal which had to be mixed with water.
Gonsalves: Rs. 5 per day was the combined budget of the Centre for pregnant women, children and lactating mothers.
Gonsalves: Other health related incidents completely stopped. Malnourishment and hunger at it's epitome. Education for children up to 6 years given at Anganwadi and it should have never been stopped
Justice Bhushan: But please see the current situation. You want that the Anganwadi's be opened?
Justice Shah: You expect the children to be called at such a time, even though high schools not open?
Justice Shah: You expect the children to be called at such a time, even though high schools not open?
Gonsalves: Then they will go hungry. Children can be staggered in groups of 5 and a hot cooked meal can be provided to them at least in those zones which are not containment zone.
We will give you some more time to file an affidavit. You will have to provide us with figures, says Justice Bhushan
Not a single day should be wasted, says Gonsalves
Not a single day should be wasted, says Gonsalves
Order: The decision has been taken that a decision has been taken on November 11 and guidelines for operation of anganwadi's has been taken during Covid. Let Govt. of India file a detailed affidavit wrt implementation of the guidelines by states.
Order: The states to also file affidavits.
Mr. Gonsalves says that Small children with no food and nor any education under 6 years. Detailed affidavit in this regard may also be filed. List in 2nd week of January.
Mr. Gonsalves says that Small children with no food and nor any education under 6 years. Detailed affidavit in this regard may also be filed. List in 2nd week of January.
Gonsalves: My Lords may kindly have it in December. This is a serious issue. Deaths are being recorded due to lack of food!
Okay, we'll have it in 2 weeks, bench orders.
Okay, we'll have it in 2 weeks, bench orders.
