Movement initiated for preventing malnutrition in state

Ahmedabad, Jul 25 (UNI) A public movement for preventing deaths due to malnutrition in Gujarat has been initiated by Chief Minister Narendra Modi here.

Speaking on the occasion last night in Bapunagar area of the city, Mr Modi said, ''We have launched the movement with the intention that no child or mother should die of malnutrition in the state.'' As part of the movement, distribution of ''Sukhadi''-- a sweet item made out of flour, ghee and sugar, to pregnant women, commenced during the meeting.

Elaborating the various schemes for good health and basic empowerment, the Chief Minister highlighted the benefits of Chiranjeev Yojana, Bal-Bhog Yojana, and Kishori Shakti Yojana. ''The synchronized efforts to fight out malnutrition will solve the critical issues like mother-child mortality,'' he said. He appealed to the people to distribute milk and Sukhadi in the State.

Health Minister Jaynarayan Vyas said, ''The environment and nutrition during the pregnancy plays a crucial role in child development. Our scriptures lay emphasis on value-based environment.

We are determined to celebrate the year as Nirogi-Bal year.'' UNI PVN SR SY AS1716