As many as 1.47 lakh children of the 43 lakh children in the anganwandis of Gujarat are suffering from severe malnutrition, a recent survey has said.
As per the Socio Economic Survey of Gujarat recently tabled in the state Assembly, 43 lakh children of the anganwadi centres across the state were screened for various nutrition parameters.
"At the end of the screening, about 1.47 lakh children were identified as severely acute malnourished (SAM)," it said.
The survey said Chief Minister Anandiben Patel had launched a campaign 'Kupoashan Mukt Gujarat' during May last year as part of a statewide drive to end malnutrition among children.
Patel is often seen raising this issue in her addresses at almost every public function, while Congress has been targeting the Gujarat government on this issue since long.
Under this drive, SAM children without medical complication are provided complementary therapeutic food under community based management of malnutrition program at anganwadis to bring them out from severe malnourished condition, it added.
Taking cognisance of the situation, the Gujarat government has made a special allocation of Rs 311.95 crore for the ongoing 'Dudh Sanjivani Yojna' in this year's budget, presented on February 23.
At present, flavoured milk is served to children twice in a week at anganwadi centres. Now, the government has announced to serve milk five days a week.
During the question hour yesterday, several MLAs from different parts of state have raised questions about the malnutrition scenario and sought information about steps taken by the government to cope up with the situation.
In her replies, state Women and Child Development minister Vasuben Trivedi claimed that several steps are being taken to bring out such malnourished children.
She informed the Assembly that state government has launched a scheme where class-1 officers have been asked to adopt one anganwadi each in their area to see that no children is left malnourished.
The minister added malnourished children in anganwadis are given home ration, hot breakfast, fruits and flavoured milk.
