Benefits To Pregnant, Lactating Women & Children- Gauhati High Court Seeks Implementation Report From Social Welfare Department

The Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench has directed the Director of Social Welfare Department, Government of Nagaland to call for reports on the implementation of orders passed by the State regarding receiving of benefits by pregnant women, lactating mothers and children through Anganwadi centres.

The development came after a division bench comprising of Justice Songkhupchung Serto and Justice S. Hukato Swu was dealing with a PIL espousing the cause of lactating mothers and children deprived of the required nutrition due to economic conditions specially, during the pandemic period.

During the course of hearing, the counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner stated that though the orders might have been issued by the State, the beneficiaries on the ground have not received the benefits which they are entitled about.

"In view of the conflicting submissions made by the learned counsels, we direct the respondent No.3 to call for the reports of implementation of the order issued by the chief Secretary and Principal Secretary, home Department from the CDPO's and file the same on or before the next date fixed for hearing." The Court directed.

Earlier, observing that the poor have been hit the hardest during the covid 19 pandemic, the Court had directed the State Government to provide benefits and services to people entitled under the Food Security Act.

The Court was apprised by the petitioner that the lactating mothers and children who are from the economically lower strata have been deprived of their entitlements under the Food Security Act due to the closure of Angawadi centres through which the required food or services were provided to them under the Act and other schemes of the central Government.

It was also submitted on behalf of the petitioner that the State Government should open the Angawadi centres once again so that the required services which were provided through them may continue to reach the people.

In view of this, the Court directed the State of Nagaland, Director of Department of Social Welfare and Director of Food and Civil Supplies to provide such services or benefits to the people who are entitled to as per their entitlements and rights under the Food Security Act.

"It is a common knowledge that the poor have been hit the hardest during this pandemic and they are in need of every help that can be provided. Therefore, it should be the endeavor of everyone responsible to make such services or benefits available at their door steps." The Court observed at the outset.

Title: MHASIKHONU PHINYO v. UNION OF INDIA AND 3 ORS

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