Govt, UNICEF join hands for child development in cities

Hyderabad: The State Government on Monday entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with UNICEF on development of children in urban areas.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Chief Secretary S K Joshi at the Secretariat.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Secretary 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 the UNICEF and ASCI would submit the workable plan in a week which encompasses child education, health, security, sanitation and hygiene.

The Chief Secretary observed that UNICEF has a lot of experience in working for child development which would be useful for preparing a comprehensive plan for the State.

Integrated development of cities should invariably include child friendliness on its agenda, he felt.

He asked the members to lay emphasis on medical counseling for the children, personal hygiene, security, nutrition monitoring, immunisation, demographic data, institutional facilities, assets and transport facilities.

The UNICEF representatives appreciated the service rendered by the midwives in GHMC limits. Municipal Administration Principal Secretary Arvind Kumar, ASCI Director V Srinivascharyulu, UNICEF representative Yasmin Ali Haque were present.