(a) whether certain organizations working in the field of child development
have suggested that timely investment in terms of research, staff and
planning can prevent child deaths and diseases to a large extent in the
country; and
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the steps taken by the Government
in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI SUDIP BANDYOPADHYAY)
(a) Referring to a study conducted in 8 districts of the State of Uttar
Pradesh by an organisation Child Rights and You (CRY), in which 88 out of 545
children were found to be severely malnourished, a suggestion appeared in
certain sections of the Press that by timely investment in terms of research,
staff and planning and proper execution of government welfare schemes, deaths
due to malnutrition can be prevented.
(b) The GOI has taken the following steps to address factors impinging on the
nutritional status of the children:
1. A National Nutrition policy has been adopted in 1993 and a National Plan
of Action for Nutrition (1995) is being implemented though various departments
of the GOI. Prime Minister’s National Council on India’s Nutrition Challenges
has also been set up.
2. Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme is being implemented
to improve nutritional status of children. The Scheme has been universalized by
increasing the number of Anganwadi Centres to 14 lakh with special focus on
coverage of SC/ST and Minority populations.
3. Other schemes targeting improvement of nutritional status are as under.
(a) Indira Gandhi Matrutva Sahyog Yojana: Incentives to mother are linked to
Infant and Young Child Feeding practices, like exclusive breastfeeding for the
first six months.
(b) National Programme of Nutritional support to Primary Education (Mid day
meal programme)
(c) Improving the purchasing power of the people through various income
generating schemes including National Rural Employment Generation Scheme.
(d) Availability of essential food items at subsidized cost though targeted
Public Distribution System
4. Reproductive & Child Health Programme under National Rural Health
Mission (NRHM) include:
(a) Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) for improved coverage and quality of ANC
care to pregnant women and Post-partum care at community level
(b) Emphasis on appropriate infant and young child feeding practices
(c) Immunization
(d) Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illness and Malnutrition
(e)Treatment of Severe Acute Malnutrition though Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres
(NRCs) set up at public health facilities
(f) Specific program to prevent and combat micronutrient deficiencies of
Vitamin A and Iron & Folic Acid. Vitamin A supplementation for children
till the age of 5 years and Iron & Folic Acid supplementation for pregnant
and lactating women. Iron and Folic acid syrup has been added in the programme
for children 6 to 60 months.
5. National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP).