New Delhi, Apr 21 (IANS): Delhi Cabinet Minister Rajendra Pal Gautam on Tuesday asked the Department of Women and Child Development to explore ways to provide sanitary napkins to women amid the coronavirus lockdown.

Gautam had called a meeting of the Department of Social Welfare and Department of Women and Child Development on Tuesday to discuss the possibility of providing ration and other nutritional food supplements to women and children who are part of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Programme.

He said amid the nationwide lockdown, the government has announced doubling the pension for senior citizens, widows and differently-abled citizens.

"After this, the Delhi government is aiming to provide sanitary napkins to women in need during the lockdown," Gautam told the media.

He said there are several women and children who are dependent on Anganwadis for basic nutrition and primary healthcare needs.

"In view of the nationwide lockdown due to the spread of coronavirus, Anganwadi workers are providing primary healthcare facilities right at the doorsteps of the pregnant women and children. In these difficult times, they also need more nutritious supplements to meet their basic health requirements," he said.

Gautam said he has asked the officials to explore the possibilities of replacing panjiri and other items given to Anganwadi children with more nutritional supplements like peanuts and sprouted grams.

The minister also lauded the work done by the Anganwadi workers.

"All our social workers, especially the Anganwadi workers, are corona warriors. They are going door-to-door to create awareness regarding coronavirus. They are also providing food and other supplements to pregnant women and children. In this crucial time, they are our heroes," he said.

The nationwide lockdown is in place till May 3 to control the spread of coronavirus.