Gujarat Chief Minister Anandi Patel today said that her government was committed towards eradication of malnutrition among children and providing security to women in the state.
"The government is committed to eradicating child malnutrition. For a stronger Gujarat as well as India, we need to make our children strong," she said here.
As a part of making children stronger, she said, her government has started distributing nutritious food items such as sukhdi (Gujarati delicacy made of wheat flour), to children studying in state-run schools.
Patel was speaking after inaugurating a newly-constructed main gate of the famous Somnath temple in Gir-Somnath district. The carved main gate is constructed at a cost of Rs 1.5 crore, said an official press release.
Talking about the issue of women's safety, she said, "The government has launched a campaign between August 1 and 15 to empower women and in a short time our officials taught martial arts to thousands of women."
The state is currently celebrating Women's Empowerment Fortnight to highlight various issues related to women.
The chief minister also stressed the need to have toilets in every house to stop humiliation of women.
Remembering Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on the occasion, she said, "Sardar could not become the first Prime Minister of India, but a person from Gujarat Narendra Modi has become the PM and is working hard to fulfil Patel's dream of 'sauno sath, saunot vikas' (development for everyone)."
The chief minister also announced construction of a boys' hostel in Gir-Somnath district and develop a sea shore at Veraval for recreation purpose.
Former Gujarat Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel, who is a trustee of Somnath Trust, was also present.
