Measures to Be Taken to Control Malnutrition in Melghat: Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare

Amravati, July 2026 : The issue of malnutrition in the Chikhaldara and Dharni talukas of Melghat remains a serious concern. The Maharashtra Government has been taking positive steps to address the problem, which has already contributed to a decline in malnutrition levels over the past few years. Further efforts will focus on maternal and child care through a range of targeted interventions aimed at effectively controlling malnutrition in the region, said Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare.

The Minister was speaking during a review meeting on various issues concerning Melghat held at the Dharni Tehsil Office. The meeting was attended by Prabhudas Bhilawekar, Sub-Divisional Officer Siddharth Shukla, Deputy Commissioner of Women and Child Development Vilas Masarale, and other officials.

Tatkare said that child marriage remains a concern in parts of Melghat. Early pregnancies resulting from child marriages increase the likelihood of undernourished children being born. To address this, the government will appoint and train women health workers to counsel mothers on nutritious diets while also creating awareness against child marriage. These trained workers will provide health-related information to tribal communities in a language they understand. Additionally, nutrition plans will be prepared for the first 1,000 days after a child’s birth, a crucial period for healthy growth and development. These initiatives are expected to significantly reduce the incidence of malnutrition among newborns.

The government also plans to modernise Anganwadi centres in Melghat by equipping them with solar power, sanitation facilities, and access to clean drinking water. Efforts will be made to ensure that pregnant women consume the nutritious meals provided to them at the Anganwadi centres themselves. Nutrition committees will be strengthened to ensure the supply of quality food, with participation from various sections of society. Funds allocated through the District Planning Committee for Anganwadi construction should be utilised within one year. If local authorities are unable to spend the funds within the stipulated period, the Public Works Department will be appointed as the implementing agency to complete the projects without delay.

The Minister noted that misconceptions about the healthcare system persist among tribal communities. The government will undertake awareness campaigns to address these misunderstandings. Hospitals will also be encouraged to promote natural childbirth wherever medically possible, helping reduce the fear of caesarean deliveries among tribal women. Information about welfare schemes for women and tribal communities should be disseminated through Gram Sabhas, with special emphasis on women-centric schemes during Gram Sabhas held on Women’s Day.

Tatkare emphasised that both Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) and Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) are critical indicators in Melghat. While the number of moderately malnourished children has declined, further improvement is necessary. She directed officials to intensify efforts to bring the number of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition below 100.

During her visit, the Minister also toured Anganwadi centres in Bhokarbardi, Dhulghat, Kalamkhar, Lavada, and Chitri, where she interacted with children and members of the tribal community to understand their concerns and assess the implementation of government welfare programmes.