Gujarat to give ‘fortified wheat floor’ in primary schools

With an objective to eradicate mal-nutrition among children, Gujarat Government has taken an inspiring initiative of launching a statewide movement against mal-nutrition from 25th September-The birth anniversary of Pandit Din Dayal Upadhyay- .Under the scheme, State government would provide fortified wheat floor to 44 lakh primary school children. Fortified floor contains nine micro-nutrients and vitamins.

Leader of the opposition in the parliament, Shree L.K.Advani would commence the movement from Somanath. Chief Minister would launch a statewide movement from Gandhinagar. At district headquarters, Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries would also launch ‘food fortification movement ‘.

Spokes persons and Ministers, Shree Jaynarayan Vyas and Saurabhbhai Patel briefed, “Devoid of balanced and nutritional food leads to malnutrition in children. Union government supplies the wheat stock. Gujarat government has resolved to eradicate malnutrition. We have been giving top most priority of achieving improvements on Human Development Index fronts. 44 Lakh primary school children are covered under mid-day meal scheme. State would bear the burden to the tune of Rs.30 crores of fortifying the floor. Fortification process would add iron, folic acid, nine micro-nutrients, minerals and vitamins. ”

During the last one year, fortified food and candy was made available to Anganwadi children. Around 38775 M.T fortified floor was supplied to B.P.L families. Under Antyodaya -Scheme too. Under ICDS, Nutri-Candy and fortified floor is made available.

Gujarat was first to introduce food-fortification scheme on PPP model.

Gujarat is celebrating Golden Jubilee of attaining its state-hood. Chief Minister has fixed targets to reduce infant mortality rates and maternal mortality rates. Institutional deliveries under the Chinranjeevi Scheme have scored roaring triumph. Deficiency of iron, minerals, vitamins, and folic acid reduces immunity and disrupts general health.

Chief Minister received mandate in December 2007. He has been focusing for significant improvements on HDI fronts. Concrete measures have been taken by implementing element of fortification in PDS chain.

Landmark initiatives include Teethi-Bhojan scheme through public participation. Gujarat is pioneer in implementing fortified floor scheme. Pandit Din Dayal Upadhyay dedicated his life for the cause of unity and integrity of society. This is the right way of paying tributes to the great leader.