These women and children are being served the traditional 'panjiri', which is a good source of protein with high calorie value, for past several years. It is distributed free of cost at the Anganwaadi centres.
"The state government received information that children, pregnant women and lactating mothers living in slums were not evincing much interest in consuming panjiri, despite its nutritional value," UP Minister of State for Child Development and Nutrition Anupama Jaiswal told PTI.
The state government was mulling changing the menu at the Anganwaadi centres, she said.
"The government wants to save children, pregnant women and lactating mothers from malnutrition. The officials who had visited different states have submitted their reports which are being studied. We are hopeful that soon we will come up with a new menu," Jaiswal said.
"This will ensure that the Anganwaadi workers do not face any problems and also curtail theft of food items," she said.
The minister said in the state there were 1.88 lakh Anganwaadi centres, where 74,775 Anganwaadi workers and 1.53 lakh assistants are working. Children living in slum areas are also imparted basic primary education in these centres.