Question : Road Map to Tackle Malnutrition

(a) whether the Government/NITI Aayog has prepared any road map to tackle malnutrition in the country and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether proper consultation has been done with the States/UTs/social organisations before formulation of the said road map and if so, the details thereof;
(c) Whether the Government proposes to constitute any State/district level committees to monitor the implementation of the said road map and if so, the details thereof; and
(d) Whether public representatives and experts are also proposed to be included in these monitoring committees and if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
(SHRIMATI SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

(a) & (b) Government has accorded high priority to the issue of malnutrition and is making serious efforts to address malnutrition. To address various policy and systemic needs, the ICDS and Anganwadi Services schemes were re-evaluated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in respect of programme design, implementation process, outcome and impact and for re-assessing the relevance of the programme in achieving its aims and goals. The efforts under the Supplementary Nutrition Programme under Anganwadi Services, Scheme for Adolescent Girls and POSHAN Abhiyaan have been re-aligned under ‘Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0’ for maximizing nutritional outcomes. Poshan 2.0 seeks to address the challenges of malnutrition in children, adolescent girls, pregnant women and lactating mothers through a strategic shift in nutrition content and delivery and by creation of a convergent eco-system to develop and promote practices that nurture health, wellness and immunity. Zonal and sub-zonal conferences were held across the country with States/UTs and civil society organizations for their inputs and suggestions.


(c) & (d) POSHAN Abhiyaan provides a platform to converge the activities of various stakeholders for attaining the goal of ‘Suposhit Bharat’. For greater transparency, accountability and quality in nutrition support programmes and service delivery, Streamlined Guidelines were issued on 13.1.2021. Under these guidelines, the DM has been designated as the Nodal Point in the district for monitoring nutritional status and quality standards. The DM will also chair the District Nutrition Committee. State Level Steering Committees have been mandated to to ensure effective convergence and monitoring of the implementation of the scheme. The District Nutrition Committee shall have representation from relevant line departments, including District Rural Development officer, Chief Medical Officer, Ayush-in-charge, Forest officer, Education Officer, Agricultural Officer as well as Nutrition experts. Further, involvement of AWC Level Management Committees, village communities, Mothers Groups, and Panchayati Raj Institutions (Poshan Panchayats) is also mandated to bring community ownership
and encourage accountability


******