Governor lauds crusade against malnutrition in MP

By Pervez Bari, TwoCircles.net 
Bhopal, June 12: Madhya Pradesh Governor Dr. Balram Jakhar said that concerted and coordinated efforts of the State Government departments, voluntary organisations and the citizens are required to eradicate malnutrition in the state. Nutritious food not only plays an important role in health but also helps in mental development which makes people capable of better contribution.                
   
Malnutrition gives birth to many diseases and to the social problems, hence national level deliberations on malnutrition eradication is a praiseworthy initiative. He expressed the hope that crusade being launched by the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister  Shivraj Singh Chouhan in this direction would prove fruitful in a big way.
   
Dr. Jakhar was speaking on the occasion of national symposium on the subject ' Malnutrition a challenge- Strategy and solutions' organised in the joint auspices of women and child development department, UNICEF and Bhoj Open University here on Monday. The Governor Dr. Jakhar further added that the Chief Minister Chouhan is committed for the speedy development of the state and discharging his duties efficiently.
   
Chouhan mentioned on the occasion that the malnutrition eradication tops the agenda of the government and many schemes are being implemented for the welfare of women and children in the state. Moreover, efforts are being taken in Madhya Pradesh to curb ill practices and encouragement has been given to various schemes such as institutional deliveries. Nutritious food is being provided to the children and the Women & Child Development Department is performing excellently to reach the set objectives.         While expressing concern over the mother and infant mortality rate, he said these problems can be overcome by encouraging institutional deliveries. Women in a large number are being benefited under the "Janani Suraksha Yojna" being implemented by the health department and "Ladli Laxmi Yojna" has been implemented with an objective to remove disparity among the boy and girl child. Further, 
   
Chouhan stated that the women reservation bill is still under consideration in Parliament whereas the Madhya Pradesh Government has made arrangements for women reservation in the local bodies and panchayats in the state. He expressed his satisfaction over the arrangements made to distribute nutritious food through aaganwadis. He also stressed the need for public participation in the effective implementation of "Bal Shakti, Bal Sanjivini" campaign and the recently launched "Shaktiman" scheme.
   
The Minister for Women & Child Development Ms Kusum Mehdele said that multi dimensional efforts are being made to eradicate malnutrition. The "Bal Sanjivini" campaign is being implemented twice a year in the state. She further said that malnutrition percentage has come down to 47.38 per cent from 57.57 per cent. Similarly, decrease has been noticed in the serious malnutrition cases. Also, new schemes such as "Goud Bharai", "Annaprashan", birthday celebration and new nutritious arrangements are being launched in the state from this year.
   
Moreover, the children would get nutritious food items under the "Shaktiman Yojna" and good results are expected from these schemes. She mentioned that national symposium has been organised with an objective to bring down the common malnutrition rate.
   
The Minister of State for Women & Child Development Ms Meena Singh, Madhya Pradesh representative of UNICEF Dr. Hamid El Bashir, principal secretary Women & Child Development Prashant Mehta, director Mrs. Kalpana Shrivastava were present on the occasion. The Vice Chancellor Bhoj Open University Dr. Kamlakar Singh proposed a vote of thanks.
   
Meanwhile, i the technical session state representative UNICEF Hamid El Bashir congratulated the Madhya Pradesh Government on its initiatives such as "Ladli Laxmi Yojna", gender budgeting, reduction of severe malnutrition and increase in the vitamin A coverage and adoption of global IMNCI strategy, Sick New Born Care, New formula ORS and Zinc. He said while the progress has been achieved, there are still some challenges like almost half of India's children are malnourished and malnutrition contributes 50 per cent of infant mortality rates in the State. ([email protected])

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