‘Khilti Kaliya’ scheme launched for malnourished kids

DEHRADUN: Concerned over the plight of nearly 3,700 ill-nourished children in the state, the state government launched its first-of-a-kind social welfare scheme ‘Khilti Kaliya’ on Friday. The scheme aims to encourage people to adopt at least two poorly nourished children so that they receive care and proper nutrition.
A majority of malnourished children belong to underprivileged families living in backward regions of Garhwal and Kumaon.
To identify more ill-nourished kids in different age groups between six months to three years of age, the government will soon conduct an on-the-spot survey starting from the block to the state level.
Formally launching the scheme on Friday, chief minister Harish Rawat said, “We have been able to identify about 3,700 malnourished children all districts of the state. An on-the-spot survey will soon be carried out in all 13 districts so that more such children can be adopted.”
He also instructed senior officers in the Women Empowerment and Child Development Department to arrange nutritious food for the affected children.
The CM’s wife, Renuka Rawat, who was also present on the occasion, urged people from well-to-do families to adopt at least two malnourished children.
Setting a precedent for others, Rawat and his wife adopted four children which included two-year-old Sumara and Anil, Naman and Palak, all 11 months old, on the occasion.
Rawat further said the government would also chalk out a comprehensive plan to provide nutritious food to children.
Meanwhile, the BJP termed the scheme as a ‘political stunt’. “This is being done to garner votes of weaker sections for the 2017 elections,” said BJP leader Ajay Bhatt.