Port Blair, July 11: An awareness programme focusing on the theme “Maternity Benefit week” was organized by the ICDS Urban & Ferrargunj Project in coordination with the health department on 11.07.2024 at Hasmatabad Anganwadi Centre. The event was graced by the presence of Andaman and Nicobar Environmental team (ANET), ANM Sub Centre wandoor, CDPO of the ICDS Urban & Ferrargunj Project, ICDS functionaries, Poshan staff, and Hub for Empowerment of Women staff.
The programme commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries. Following this, Smti. Irene Nicolas, CDPO, ICDS Ferragunj Project formally welcomed the dignitaries and participants.
Shri Sheger, the District Mission Coordinator (HEW), informed participants about the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) scheme. Under this scheme, financial benefits are provided to women for their first two living children, with a special provision for the second child if it is a girl. Specifically, for the first child, a total amount of Rs.5000 is given in two installments. For the second child, if it is a girl, a single installment of ₹6000 is provided after birth. He emphasized that eligible beneficiaries can apply for this scheme at any time, but no later than 730 days after pregnancy. The incentive is directly transferred to the bank or post office accounts of pregnant women and lactating mothers (PW&LM) through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.
Smti. Utharaselvi, ANM Wandoor sub Centre provides awareness to field functionaries, pregnant women, and lactating mothers on early pregnancy diagnosis, proper medication during pregnancy, and breastfeeding techniques. She emphasized the importance of breastfeeding for the first six months to ensure a healthy immune system in newborns and explained the JSY scheme for promoting institutional deliveries.
Furthermore, a team from the Andaman and Nicobar Environmental Team (ANET) headed by Smti. Sunita sil provided an informative session on personal hygiene during menstruation. The session covered essential practices for maintaining cleanliness and health during menstrual cycles. Additionally, the team demonstrated the use of biodegradable sanitary napkins, highlighting their benefits over conventional options. These biodegradable napkins are environmentally friendly, reducing the ecological impact associated with menstrual hygiene products. This initiative aims to promote sustainable practices while ensuring women’s health and well-being.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Smti. Zarina Bibi CDPO, ICDS Urban Project.