Matru Poorna Yojane, the ambitious scheme of the State government aimed at eradicating malnourishment among pregnant women and lactating mothers, was launched in Ballari and Koppal districts.
At a function in Ballari, P. Deena, acting president of the zilla panchayat, called upon pregnant women and lactating mothers to take advantage of the scheme and maintain both their and the child’s health.
In Ballari district, around 61,706 women – 31,656 of whom were pregnant and 30,060 were lactating mothers – will be getting the benefit of the scheme in which hot meals would be provided for lunch for a period of 45 days. The scheme, apart from fighting against malnutrition, aimed to bring down infant mortality and maternal mortality rates. Asharani, a gynecologist, delivered a lecture on the importance of nutrition during pregnancy and lactation. Mayor G. Venkataramana, and B.T. Kumaraswamy, Assistant Commissioner, also spoke about the advantages of the scheme.
At Koppal, M. Kanagavalli, Deputy Commissioner, who launched the scheme, underlined the need for beneficiaries to take advantage of the scheme.
