New Delhi: Against the backdrop of 40 child deaths in Attappdy tribal block in Kerala mainly due to malnutrition, the Centre on Monday announced setting up of nutrition centres there on the pattern of such facilities in Andhra Pradesh. Noting that providing nutrition is the need of the hour, Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh said through 'kudumbashree' women self-help groups, the government would set up community nutrition centres to ensure that adequate nutrition is provided, particularly to pregnant women in the area.
"If the women are not properly fed, obviously the babies will not be properly fed. We are going to follow the Andhra model commuity nutrition centres in Attappady," he said. Ramesh was speaking to reporters after holding the first inter-ministerial meeting to oversee and monitor tribals' welfare programme and development package announced by the Centre for Attappady region.
Senior officials from six ministries--Health, Tribal Affairs, Rural Development, Women and Child Development, Drinking Water and Sanitation and HRD--were present in the meeting. The meeting discussed establishing a Special Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre, Water Supply Project and a girls' hostel for secondary and higher education students in Attappady. Concerned over the poor condition prevailing in Attappady, Ramesh said such an area is a "paradox" in a state which is far ahead in social development.
At least 40 child deaths were reported in Attappdy in last one year, mainly due to malnutrition, he said. "We don't expect Attappady in Kerala. Because Kerala is from every point of view is the most advanced state in social development. Health, education, women's empowerment, nutrition... in every way Kerala is number one. So, the existence of Attappady in Kerala is a paradox," the Minister said.
The Minister also reiterated the Centre's commitment to provide skilled training and jobs for 500 tribal youths from the first non-Maoist tribal belt in the country where a Jharkhand model development is implemented.
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