Mysuru: District in-Charge Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa launched ‘Matrupoorna’ Scheme, a flagship programme of the State Government to provide nutritious food for pregnant women and lactating women at an event jointly organised by District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, Department of Women and Child Welfare, Department of Health and Family Welfare and Department of Public Instructions at Platinum Jubilee Hall in JK Grounds this morning.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mahadevappa said the programme is being simultaneously launched in all districts of the State on Gandhi Jayanti Day.

Maintaining that this was one of the many schemes of the Siddharamaiah Government for the welfare of the people, he said that the CM had earmarked Rs. 302 crore for this initiative in the budget (2017-18).

Pointing out that it would cost about Rs. 21 per meal to provide nutritious meals to pregnant women, he said that under this programme every pregnant and lactating women will be provided with nutritious food ensuring that they get 600 calories a day.

The scheme intends to provide food for a period of 15 months, right from the onset of pregnancy to six months after the baby has been delivered, Dr. Mahadevappa said and added that about 38,000 pregnant  and lactating women in the district will be benefited under the programme, which is being implemented through Anganwadi Kendras.

Highlighting the role of Anganwadi workers in ensuring the success of the Scheme, he said that the programme also covers counselling sessions on health and nutrition to pregnant and nursing  mothers.

Earlier, floral tributes were offered to the portraits of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri.

The programme also marked the celebration of Anganwadi Day today.

DC D. Randeep, ZAK Chairperson Mallige Veeresh, MYLAC Chairman H.A. Venkatesh, DHO Dr. Basavaraj, Women and Child Welfare Department Dy. Director K. Radha, Cheluvamba Hospital Superintendent Dr. Radhamani,  District Surgeon Dr. Pashupathi, ZP Member Dr. Pushpa Amaranth and others were present.