SUDHIR KUMAR / NEW DELHI

The government today approved the supply of fortified rice to reduce anaemia and micro-nutrient deficiency. Addressing a press briefing on Cabinet decisions in New Delhi today, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, this is a step towards inclusive development ensuring nutrition security. He said the total financial implication of the scheme will be over 17 thousand crore rupees.

Speaking on the Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi initiative, the Minister said, India has a rich maritime heritage and this rich maritime heritage needs to be preserved and developed. He said that the government has approved the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal, Gujarat. He said this would showcase the country’s rich maritime heritage.

Mr Vaishnaw said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized the development of infrastructure in the border areas. He said the government has approved the construction of two thousand 280 kilometres of roads which will be built in border areas of Rajasthan and Punjab. He said the projects will cost more than four thousand 400 crore rupees. He said this will improve rural livelihood, and ensure easier access and connectivity.