SCHEMES FOR MALNUTRITION (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Social Issues)
Context: The government’s flagship scheme to address malnutrition is likely to get a marginal increase in the interim budget.
oThe women and child development (WCD) ministry’s integrated Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 scheme may receive a boost of up to 3%, to ₹21,170 crore, for the next financial year.
Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0
- Fund: Centrally-sponsored program, executed in collaboration with State Governments/ UT administrations.
- Vision: To combat the pervasive issue of malnutrition affecting children under the age of 6, adolescent girls aged 14-18, and pregnant or lactating women.
- Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Pivotal to the program's design is its commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Focus on Nutrition: By prioritizing these aspects, the mission aims to ensure the well-being, growth, and comprehensive development of children, fostering their transition into healthy and productive adults.
- Objectives
oTo enhance the development of human capital in the nation:
oTackle the obstacles associated with malnutrition;
oFoster awareness of nutrition and encourage healthy eating habits for enduring health and well-being; and
oCombat deficiencies related to nutrition through strategic approaches.
- Sub-schemes: ICDS, POSHAN Abhiyaan, Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG) and National Creche Scheme.
- Scheme components
oNutrition Support for POSHAN through Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) Early Childhood Care and Education [3-6 years] and early stimulation for (0-3 years);
oAnganwadi Infrastructure including modern, upgraded Saksham Anganwadi; and Poshan Abhiyaan
