Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit said that education is key to improving the condition of women in the country. The 47-year-old actress, the brand ambassador for Madhya Pradesh government's 'Mamta Abhiyan', today lauded the campaign and called for more such initiatives for women.

The 'Mamta Abhiyan', launched by the state health department last year, is aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality rate. Launching the campaign's second phase along with state Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Health Minister Narottam Mishra, Madhuri said, "We can save the lives of 80 per cent women by associating them with Mamta Abhiyan."

She insisted on making women's education a must for improving their condition, saying it will only ensure their progress and urged people not to marry girls at an early age. The campaign, launched in association with UNICEF, is focused on ensuring love, security and honour for women.

The Bollywood diva said these three things are very essential for women and children. Terming the role of frontline health workers like ASHA and ANM as crucial in improving the health of mother and child, she lauded their services, specially in rural areas.


Addressing the function, Chouhan said, "We have associated Madhuri with the campaign as she can inspire a lot of women and children in a very good manner." After improving roads, water and power sector, the state has now focused itself on improving education and health sectors, he said.

At present, 86 per cent institutional deliveries (hospitals) were taking place in the state and the government is working towards achieving 100 per cent rate in this area, the chief minister said. He also insisted on checking population growth in the country for ensuring uniform development of all citizens.