about 49.21 children suffer from malnutrition in MP

Bhopal, July 20 (UNI) About 49.21 per cent children are suffering from malnutrition in Madhya Pradesh and 0.91 per cent of them are affected by severe malnutrition, Woman and Child Development Minister Kusum Mehdele told the legislative assembly today.

In a written reply to Mr Rajesh Patel, Ms Mehdele said 'Sanjeeveni' campaign had been started in the state for curbing malnutrition.

Under the campaign, 79.45 lakh children were weighed in April and May and it was found that 49.21 per cent children suffered from malnutrition, while 0.91 per cent were affected by severe malnutrition.

Ms Mehdele said the government received Rs 1.89 crore under the campaign and the amount was distributed to various districts.

Replying to a question by Mr Harvansh Singh, Social Justice Minister Rampal Singh said 9,066 girls had tied knot under the state's ambitious 'Kanyadan' scheme. More than Rs 4.94 crore had been spent upon the scheme.

UNI PKJ-PS 1520