Odisha Govt To Restart Creche & Feeding Programme In PVTG Areas With Immediate Effect

Bhubaneswar: The state government has decided to restart the creche and feeding centres under Odisha Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) Nutrition Improvement Programme (OPNIP) following demand from right to food campaign activists.

Keeping in view the greater interest of nutritional requirements of PVTG children and women, the Matru Sishu Poshan Kendra (MSPK)-cum-Creche Centres, Maternal Spot Feeding Centres (MSFCs) and Spot Feeding Centres (SFCs) under OPNIP which were operational till September 30, 2024, are hereby allowed to be made functional with immediate effect, an order issued by the Programme Director said.

The nutritional requirements, staff structures (NCs, GPNAs & WSHGs) and remuneration/ honorarium/ incentive will continue as such based on the norm existing prior to September 30. The funds to this effect will be released shortly, Odisha PVTG Empowerment & Livelihoods Improvement Programme (OPELIP) director said.

Notably, the state chapter of National Right to Food Campaign had demanded restart of these programme under OPNIP, run by the ST and SC Development department of the state government.

It said the programme was discontinued from September 30, without consulting elected representatives, or tribal groups or organisations involved in health and nutrition of PVTG communities, members of the campaign said.

Following the decision to reopen the creche and feeding centres, the activists have expressed happiness.

They had earlier stated that discontinuation of the programme would have serious impact on the nutrition of PVTG children in 12 districts that were covered under it. The OPNIP was implemented in 89 gram panchayats of 17 micro project agencies in 12 districts.

The three components under it include community-based creche (Sishu Gurha) for children under the age of three years, maternal spot feeding centres and spot feeding centres for children in remote villages.

This creches provide childcare services during daytime for children under the age of 3 years in PVTG villages, with special focus on feeding, regular growth monitoring, early childhood care, early stimulation, program management etc.

Similarly, in inaccessible areas, pregnant mothers and 3 to 6 year-old babies were given hot cooked food, the members said.

It may be noted that under this programme, 61 creches, 161 maternal spot feeding centres and 111 spot feeding centres for children were established in the 12 districts. These centres provided basic daycare facilities to children and hot cooked meals for both children and mothers.