By our correspondent, Palanpur, 29 March 2013

In a unique initiative against malnutrition, 237 government officers and employees working in Banaskantha district administration have accepted responsibility for adoption of 3760 severe malnourished children in the district.

Each of the 237 officer has been allotted not more than 20 children. The govt employees right from the top rank of Collector and DDO will personally visit adopted malnourished children assigned to them. The govt officers/employees will interact with Anganwadi teachers and parents, will ensure proper food, milk and healthcare resources, will hold medical checkup and supervise progress of severely malnourished children on regular basis.

According to Shri SM Patel, District Development Officer of Banaskantha district, 237 govt officers and employees have shown readiness to adopt malnourished children. Not more than 20 children are allotted to any of the employees part of this voluntary initiative. Leading local people and institutions in district will also be connected to this task. The target is complete removal of malnourishment among children in this district within the span of next five-six months.

It should be mentioned that according to official figures, Banaskantha district in north Gujarat has presence of 9900 malnourished and 3760 severely malnourished children.

The district administration has targeted to address 3760 cases of severe malnourishment first.

Adoption of children is one of the initiatives taken in this direction.