The State Government entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with UNICEF on development of children in urban areas on Monday. It was signed in the presence of the Chief Secretary Dr S K Joshi at the Secretariat. Municipal Administration Principal Secretary Arvind Kumar, ASCI Director V Srinivascharyulu, UNICEF representative Dr Yasmin Ali Haque were present.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Secretary Dr S K Joshi lauded the efforts of the UNICEF for coming forward to assist in preparing a workable plan for the development of children in urban areas of the state. He said that UNICEF and ASCI will submit the workable plan in a week which encompasses Child Education, Health, Security, Sanitation and Hygiene. He observed that UNICEF has lot of experience in working towards child development which will be useful for preparing a comprehensive plan for the state which is a first in the country. Integrated development of cities should invariably include child friendliness in its agenda, he felt.
He informed that special focus will be laid towards development of children in urban areas, mile stones will be met as per the timelines envisaged and efforts will be made to solve the problems of urban children. He asked the members to lay emphasis on medical counselling for the children, personal hygiene, security, nutrition monitoring, immunization, demographic data, institutional facilities, assets and transport facilities. The UNICEF representatives appreciated the service rendered by the mid wives in GHMC limits.
