Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi today conferred National Awards to 97 Anganwadi workers for their exceptional achievements for the year 2017-18 in New Delhi.<br />''<br />''The award is given to motivate the Anganwadi workers and recognize their exemplary services in the field of child development and related areas under the Integrated Child Development Services Scheme.<br />'' <br />''Expressing concern over resources provided to anganwadis not reaching children, Ms Gandhi said, resources worth crores of rupees have been wasted in the past which could have been utilized to support various child nutrition-related schemes.  She called upon Anganwadi workers to be vigilant and report any such malpractice. <br />''<br />''The annual award was given in two levels. From this year, the cash prize of the national level has been increased from  25,000 rupees to 50,000 rupees. State level award comprises of a cash prize of 10,000 rupees. Minister of State, WCD, Virendra Kumar was also present in the event.