Edappal: P K Prabhakaran, special secretary to state through a video conference has said that children should be let off to play and do more productive things in Anganwadis.
They should not be forced to sleep. He also asked the anganwadis to cook food in steel or clay pots.
The official order will be released soon after discussion and evaluation at the official level.
The decision was taken following complaints about Anganwadis forcing children to eat at 12pm and sleep in the afternoon until 3pm. This was found to make the children idle and lethargic.
If the children have fever or other uneasiness, then could be exempted.
The Anganwadis have been instructed to facilitate more productive games and activities. For this, more play space and play items should be arranged, said the secretary.
The aluminium vessels which have been used for a long time create health problems in children; so this should be replaced by steel or clay pots.
The district-level social audit unit have given instructions regarding this. The funds to buy the vessels need to collected through local self-governing bodies.
The authorities concerned have been directed to follow the instructions.
For children until the age of 36 months, sleep amounting to 14 hours during the night and 1-2 hours in the morning is necessary. IT is during this time the brain collects information for the physical metabolism in their body along with brain development.