Mumbai, Dec 31 (IANS) For the first time, the Maharashtra government has solicited the help of corporate houses, students and voluntary organizations to help tackle the serious problems of malnutrition affecting some parts of the state, a top official said here Friday.

"The programme includes adopting a district, block or village of their choice and work in co-operation with the government on this issue," Minister for Women and Child Development Varsha Gaikwad said.

The efforts by the corporate houses, colleges, voluntary organizations and NGOs could help reduce the seriousness of complex socio-economic problems like malnutrition, she added.

"This issue needs involvement from all sectors of the society," Gaikwad urged.

The new initiative would be a part of the ongoing Rajmata Jijau Malnutrition-Free Village Campaign of the government.

The minister pointed out that the corporate houses and NGOs, under the CSR programs, could adopt aanganwadis (nurseries), train mothers and adolescents, conduct health camps, promote family planning initiatives, and improve livelihood to tackle the menace of malnutrition.

The corporate houses and others could examine the village-wide data on malnutrition with the government, the proposed action plans and contact the concerned district officials in the matter, Gaikwad said.