On June 18, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil two new Gujarat government programs targeted at increasing nutrition for pregnant women and infants, according to authorities. According to a state government announcement, he will also launch the Mukhyamantri Matrushakti Yojana (MMY) and Poshan Sudha Yojana on the same day.
During the first 1,000 days, the MMY scheme aims to provide nutritious food to pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as their newborn children. The state government has created this scheme since malnutrition and anemia during pregnancy can impede the growth of the fetus and lead to poor health in the newborn, according to the announcement.
The period from conception to the 270th day for a woman, and the period from conception to the first two years or 730 days for a child, is critical for development and is referred to as the 'first window of opportunity to boost their nutritional levels, according to the statement.
Stunting and premature births will be reduced as a result of the program, according to the statement, which also notes that better nutrition helps to minimize mother and newborn mortality.
The state government has set aside Rs 1,059 crore in this year's budget to distribute healthy "Take Home Rations" as well as 'sukhdi,' a nutrient-rich sweet, to youngsters aged 3 to 6, as well as pregnant and lactating women.
The PM will also inaugurate the tribal-centric Poshan Sudha Yojna, which was first executed as a pilot project in ten talukas of five tribal-dominated districts—Dahod, Valsad, Mahisagar, Chhota Udepur, and Narmada—during the ceremony.
Following its success, the government plans to expand the program to 14 tribal-dominated districts with 106 talukas. This program provides a fully nutritional meal to pregnant and breastfeeding moms who are registered at an Anganwadi. Iron and calcium supplements, as well as health and nutrition education, are also available.
According to the press release, a specific mobile application has been developed to monitor and review the system. Gujarat will have Assembly elections by the end of the year.
