Gandhinagar - In the fight against childhood malnutrition, Gujarat's 'Malnutrition Free Gujarat Maha-Abhiyan' (KMGA) program has emerged as a beacon of hope. One district, Kheda, stands out as a shining example of transformative change, where once-malnourished children are now thriving thanks to a dedicated and comprehensive approach.

Grim Statistics, Determined Action:

The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) paints a stark picture of Kheda in 2019-20: 30.9% of children under five were underweight, and 12.1% suffered from severe acute malnutrition (SAM). Recognizing the urgency, the Kheda district administration, in collaboration with the Gujarat government, launched the 'Malnutrition Free Kheda Campaign' in Galteshwar, Mahudha, and Thasra tehsils.

Targeted Interventions, Measurable Results:

This pilot project targeted 150 severely malnourished children and high-risk pregnant women. Here's how they tackled the challenge:

• Primary Screening: 35 RBSK teams screened all registered children aged 0-6 across Anganwadis, identifying vulnerable cases.
• **CMTC Admission & ** Children meeting the SAM criteria received intensive 14-day treatment at Child Malnutrition Treatment Centers (CMTCs). Regular fortnightly checkups ensured sustained weight gain.
• Nutritious Meals: To combat protein-energy deficiency, the project, with local donor support, introduced three daily meals in these tehsils' Anganwadis. Children enjoyed a variety of protein-rich meals like Hyderabad Mix, Bajra Raab, laddus, milk, fruits, and special laddoos made with take-home ration.
• Daily ASHA & Anganwadi Worker Visits: ASHA workers and Anganwadi workers assessed the nutritional needs of children and pregnant women at their homes, monitored food intake, and administered multivitamins and iron syrup.
• RBSK Follow-up Screening: Every fortnight, RBSK teams monitored the malnourished children, recording and reporting their progress.
• Close Monitoring & Review: Under the dedicated District Development Officer's leadership, grassroots workers, district, and tehsil officials reviewed the project's progress every 10 days.
• Empowering Communities: The National Livelihood Mission (NLM) formed Self Help Groups (SHGs) to enhance economic security for vulnerable families. The Health Department facilitated Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Cards (PMJAY Cards), Nikshay Poshan Yojana benefits, and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) for eligible individuals. Taluka Development Officers intensified Antyodaya Anna Yojana implementation, issued ration cards, and collaborated with local donors to expand the three-meals-a-day initiative.

Success Breeds Expansion:

The pilot project's resounding success led to the 'Malnutrition Free Kheda' campaign's expansion to cover 500 SAM children across 10 tehsils in the district. Amul Limited's partnership further strengthens the program with nutrition kits for each child and milk supply from local milk circles in villages, impacting over 150 Anganwadis.

A Model for Others:

Kheda's journey from despair to recovery serves as a testament to the power of concerted efforts, targeted interventions, and community engagement. With unwavering support from the Gujarat government and active participation from individuals and organizations, Kheda has shown the way in tackling childhood malnutrition. Its story holds valuable lessons for other districts and states grappling with similar challenges, offering hope for a future where every child thrives.

Nadiad, November 30 : In a tragic turn of events, five lives were lost in two villages in Kheda district, Gujarat, allegedly due to the consumption of an adulterated Ayurvedic syrup. The incident has prompted swift action from authorities and a deeper investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The victims, identified as Alpesh Sodha, Mitesh Chauhan, Ashok, Arjun, and Natubhai from Balodara and Bagdu villages, fell prey to the mysterious effects of the Ayurvedic syrup within the past 48 hours. Preliminary findings point towards the syrup, purportedly used for intoxication, as a potential cause.

Kheda district Superintendent of Police Rajesh Gadhiya, leading the investigation, disclosed that a batch of the suspicious Ayurvedic syrup was found near the affected villages. The individual responsible for its distribution has been apprehended, along with two associates, as authorities delve into the possibility of manufacturing lapses.

A panel of doctors conducted post-mortem examinations on the deceased in Nadiad, while the recovered Ayurvedic syrup has been dispatched to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for extensive testing. Approximately 50 individuals who reportedly consumed the syrup are under close medical supervision, with no further adverse effects reported thus far.

As the communities reel from the loss of lives, the state government has stepped in to provide clarity on the regulations surrounding Ayurvedic medicine production. State spokesperson Minister Hrishikesh Patel emphasized that obtaining a license for Ayurvedic medicine production is mandatory in Gujarat, and no permission has been granted for manufacturing any form of alcoholic beverages.

Addressing the media, Minister Hrishikesh Patel stated that an investigation into the Ayurvedic syrup incident is underway, involving various state agencies. 

The police and the Food and Drugs Department are actively pursuing legal action in response to the tragedy. The primary suspicion revolves around the adulteration of Ayurvedic medicine with potentially harmful chemicals, prompting the dispatch of syrup samples to the FSL for rigorous testing. The quest for answers continues as authorities work tirelessly to bring those responsible for the deaths to justice.

Dr. Akhilesh Pandey, the alleged mastermind behind a fake marksheet and certificate scam in Kheda district, Gujarat, has been arrested by the Kheda Local Crime Branch (LCB) in Delhi. Produced in the Nadiad court on Tuesday, Pandey has been granted remand until April 29, with significant disclosures expected during this period.

In an operation reminiscent of a movie plot, the LCB lured Pandey from Dehradun in Uttarakhand to Delhi, where they apprehended him red-handed. Pandey is believed to have been running the fake marksheet network from Dehradun.

Now in police custody, the investigation into the marksheet scam could unveil substantial findings. Questions surrounding the extent of the scam, such as who was involved, the number of fake marksheets and certificates issued, and the amount of money generated, are expected to be addressed during Pandey's remand.

Initial investigations revealed that Pandey, a Hotel Management Trainer who has worked as a teacher in Anand, Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Haryana, orchestrated the scam with Harish Sharma. They would prepare fraudulent marksheets over the phone. Pandey allegedly targeted job-seeking youths and provided counterfeit certificates for those planning to work abroad.