The ‘Inside Districts’ series launched in April was a one-of-its-kind attempt to capture the experiences of district and Block-level officials, panchayat functionaries and frontline workers, on their challenges and best practices.

This interview was conducted with a Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) in Jaipur, Rajasthan in Hindi on 22 July 2020, and has been translated.

Q: What are the provisions for beneficiaries?

Child Development Project Officer (CDPO): In Rajasthan, Direct Benefit Transfers are not happening instead of Take Home Ration and Hot Cooked Meals. Anganwadi beneficiaries are getting National Food Security Act benefits. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are getting 3 kgs wheat and 1 kg of pulses. Children between 3-6 years of age are also being provided with 2 kgs wheat and 1 kg of pulses.

Q: How do you think the disruption of nutrition services will impact nutrition in the coming months?

CDPO: Nutrition is going to be affected badly. During the lockdown, there have been no follow-ups on the malnourished children; they could not get the required services. Beneficiaries were not given ration by the Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

However, vaccination has begun now since the lockdown is over.

Q: What do you need to do your job better?

CDPO: All the departments are asking for different reports and hence the work pressure on the workers has increased. I think the government should ensure that apart from doing COVID-work, people are assigned the work of their respective departments only.

Q: Is there anything that you are proud of in your work?

CDPO: Had there been any agency doing the pandemic-work, it would have given up by now. Frontline workers have become the eyes of the government on the ground. They are tracking and updating everything. I am proud that we are able to work and contribute amid this calamity! The District Collector and the government have also appreciated our work.