MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI KRISHNA TIRATH)
(a) to (d): The problem of malnutrition is complex, multi-dimensional and
inter-generational in nature. The approach to dealing with the nutrition challenges
has been two pronged: Multi-sectoral approach for accelerated action on the
determinants of malnutrition in targeting nutrition in schemes/programmes of all
the sectors. As the multi-sectoral approach takes some time to show results and
when implemented together, have a trickle down and horizontal effect to benefit
the population over a period of time, other part of the approach is direct and
specific interventions targeted towards the vulnerable groups such as children
below 6 years, adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating mothers. The government
proposes to restructure ICDS.
The Government is implementing several schemes/programmes of
different Ministries/Departments through State Governments/UT Administrations
which have a direct or an indirect affect on the nutrition status of the people.
The schemes/programmes include the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)
Scheme, National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), Mid Day Meal Scheme, Rajiv Gandhi
Schemes for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls (RGSEAG) namely SABLA, Indira Gandhi
Matritva Sahyog Yojna (IGMSY) as Direct targeted interventions. Besides, indirect
Multi-sectoral interventions include Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS),
National Horticulture Mission, National Food Security Mission, Mahatma Gandhi
National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), Total Sanitation Campaign,
National Rural Drinking Water Programme etc. All these schemes have the
potential to address one or other aspect of Nutrition. Several of the existing
schemes/programmes have been expanded / universalized just before or during the
Eleventh Five year Plan, hence, the results are likely to be visible after some time.
Several schemes/programmes such as the ICDS have their funding pattern different for
the North Eastern States. For ICDS, Centre:State ratio of 90 : 10 is there for the
North Eastern States including Assam.