Several initiatives taken to tackle malnutrition in India: NITI Ayog

New Delhi, October 17: To tackle malnutrition in children and mothers, India has taken several initiatives as NITI Ayog released National Nutrition Strategy focusing on interdepartmental convergence, targets & real-time monitoring. Pregnant women and lactating mothers will now receive five thousand rupees in cash on fulfilling basic conditions of health and nutrition.

 

According to NITI Ayog to fight malnutrition additional Rs.12000 crore allotted over next 3 years by revising cost norms for supplementary nutrition. Fortification of food provided under Government welfare programmes, like Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and Mid-Day Meal, has now been made mandatory. On Ground, collective monitoring by Ministry of Women and Child Development, Health Ministry and Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation will ensure nutrition outcomes.

 

ICDS Systems Strengthening & Nutrition Important Project extended to 162 districts over 3 years for real-time outcome monitoring. In convergence with MGNREGA, over 1.1 lakh Anganwadi Centres constructed for effective delivery of ICDS services.

 

Over 100 of India’s High burden districts, on nutrition parameters, identified for taking up action in mission mode. The proposed National Nutrition Mission recommends convergence among Ministries and expands digital monitoring to all districts.