Maharashtra to deploy devotional singers against malnutrition

Maharashtra government has hired the 'keertankars', who render devotional songs, to create awareness about malnutrition in its effort to eradicate it from the state.
The government plans to hold a workshop for these minstrels who sing religious songs in Ahmednagar on February 13.
"We have undertaken a programme to hold a workshop for around 500 'keertankars' in Ahmednagar, after which they would go to the areas affected by malnutrition and create awareness among the masses," Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister Varsha Gaikwad told reporters here today.
Claiming that Maharashtra has improved its record in curbing malnourishment cases, she said that there has been a steady decline of eight per cent in such cases.

"As many as 16 tribal areas in the state are affected. However, the government is implementing the five-point programme issued by Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and other guidelines to curb malnutrition," Gaikwad said.