Bhubaneswar, Jan. 17: Pushing forward its populist agenda, the state government today decided to launch a nutrition scheme — Annaprasanna Yojana — for children above six months.

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik made this announcement during a meeting of State Nutrition Council here today.

It was also decided to distribute iodised salt and doses of zinc and Vitamin A for children under the public distribution system.

Special attention will be given to eradicate malnutrition among differently-abled and tribal children as well as underprivileged families. Children of widows, orphans and those belonging to families with a history of infant mortality will be included.

Under the proposed scheme, the government will provide substantive nutritious food for children above six months. The details of the programme are being finalised.

At present, dry ration is provided to children aged between six months and three years, while cooked meal is being served to children from three to six years.