Minister in-charge of the district Vinay Kulkarni launched the State government’s flagship programme Matru Poorna Yojane at Mallikarjun Mansur Kalabhavan here on Sunday.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kulkarni said the programme aimed at providing nutritious and hot meals for pregnant women and lactating mothers, by serving food to them at anganwadis.
It was the first time in the country that such a revolutionary scheme was being implemented for the welfare of pregnant and lactating women. With the sole intention of keeping children and mothers healthy, the nutritious meal – that includes, rice, sambar, boiled eggs, green vegetables, pulses, and groundnut-jaggery chikki – will be given to them for 25 days a month. Those who don’t eat eggs will be given two kinds of sprouts. Besides, they will be given iron tablets, he said.
The Minister directed the authorities concerned to ensure that all women are given nutritious meals under the scheme without fail. Besides, he stressed that hygiene must be maintained while preparing food. Often, well-to-do families criticise the government for some of its welfare schemes for the poor. They learn about the harsh reality of the poor only when they evaluate the problems faced by poor families.
The Anna Bhagya scheme has contained migration as the rural labour class are able to get a square meal even during times of drought. Similarly, the Matru Poorna scheme would help pregnant women and lactating mothers get good food and nurture their children, he added.
Srinivas Mane, MLC, called upon the beneficiaries not to step away from getting benefits from schemes introduced for their welfare. The government is committed to the welfare of the poor and suppressed classes and will empower them.
Vedavyas Koulagi, chairman, Karnataka Balvikas Academy, said the media and opposition parties would always be searching for loopholes in welfare schemes implemented by the government. Anganwadi workers and officials should ensure effective implementation of the scheme.
Baby shower
Deputy Commissioner S.B. Bommanahalli said nutritious and hot food would be given to all pregnant and lactating mothers at anganwadi centers on six days a week. A baby shower for 500 pregnant women also was held on the occasion. Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Snehal Rayamane performed the ritual.