From 13% to 78%: Meghalaya Aadhaar Saturation Campaign gains momentum

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 15, 2023

The Ministry of Women and Child Development plan to reduce the allocation of the Supplementary Nutrition Programme to only 10% has raised concerns. This decision is based on the poor Aadhaar seeding of pregnant and lactating women, as well as infants and children aged 0-6 years in the state.

In response, the Social Welfare Department has launched an Aadhaar saturation campaign to enroll and seed all eligible beneficiaries. The campaign aims to ensure that beneficiaries’ Aadhaar seeding is reflected in the POSHAN tracker, enabling them to receive Supplementary Nutrition at Anganwadi Centres. In less than a month since its launch, the campaign has achieved remarkable results. The state’s Aadhaar seeded beneficiaries have increased from 13% at the start of the campaign to an impressive 78.21% as of today.

Despite the challenging hot and humid weather conditions and power outages, Three districts in Garo Hills region have surpassed the 95% Aadhaar saturation mark, while two other districts are close to achieving 90%. Jaintia Hills region and Ri Bhoi District have also made significant progress.

In Khasi Hills region, progress has been made, but it is not sufficient, particularly in South West Khasi Hills and West Khasi Hills. Currently, the total percentage of Aadhaar seeded ICDS beneficiaries in the state stands at 78.21% out of a total of 4.45 lakh beneficiaries.

The Deputy Commissioners of all districts have implemented innovative strategies and ideas to address issues and motivate their staff during this campaign.

The Social Welfare Department extends its congratulations to all Deputy Commissioners, officers of the Social Welfare Department, District Programme Officers (DPOs) of ICDS, Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs), and Anganwadi Workers and Helpers for their remarkable efforts. The campaign which had a clarion call, “No Aadhaar Saturation, No Rest,” has inspired their dedication.

Principal Secretary of Social Welfare, Sampath Kumar IAS, assures that all special efforts will be acknowledged and rewarded.