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Malnourishment level high in three M.P. districts

Staff Correspondent

BHOPAL: The Madhya Pradesh Government has admitted that three districts in the State -- Sheopur, Sidhi and Ashoknagar -- have high level of malnourishment. The issue came up at a review meeting of the State Women and Child Development Department presided over by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan here on Tuesday.

Notwithstanding the critical situation in these three districts, it was pointed out at the meeting that the eighth round of Bal Sanjivani Abhiyan had resulted in a sharp decline in severe malnourishment in the State. It was stated that the number of severely undernourished children was 1.04 lakhs when the seventh Bal Sanjivani Abhiyan was launched. The number has come down to 72,000 after the eighth round of the Abhiyan.

Expressing deep concern over the problem of female foeticide despite strict legal provisions, the Chief Minister said that those giving information about female foeticide would be awarded. He said that the Panchayat bodies with ideal sex ratio would also be rewarded. "Joint efforts by the State Government and voluntary social organisations are essential for women's empowerment."

The Chief Minister said that coordinated efforts should be launched by the Women and Child Development and Health departments to bring down maternal and infant mortality rates. A Mahila Panchayat will be organised here later this month.

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Malnourishment level high in three M.P. districts

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