Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction (Brief Overview of Malnutrition in India)

• Opening Statement: Start by addressing the severity of malnutrition in India. Mention the key statistics from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 (2019-21):
  • 35.5% of children under 5 years are stunted (short for their age).
  • 19.3% of children are wasted (too thin for their height).
  • 32.1% are underweight (low weight for their age).
  • 67.1% of children aged 6-59 months suffer from anemia.
• Context: Emphasize the pressing need to address malnutrition due to its long-term health, developmental, and socio-economic consequences.

2. Main Body (How the Integrated Nutrition Support Programme Addresses Malnutrition)

The main body should break down how the Integrated Nutrition Support Programme (which includes Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0) can tackle the causes and challenges of malnutrition. You can divide this into multiple sub-sections.

a. Focus on Strategic Shifts in Nutrition Delivery

• The programme aims for improved nutrition content and delivery systems to address the nutritional needs of children, adolescent girls, and pregnant/lactating women. This approach focuses on ensuring access to nutritious food at the community level.

b. Improved Monitoring and Data Systems

• Emphasize the role of technology and data systems in monitoring malnutrition. The Poshan Tracker app is used to track malnutrition indicators like stunting, wasting, and underweight in children.
• Mention the importance of real-time monitoring to identify gaps and improve response times. Highlight that the Common Application Software (CAS), which was initially conceptualized to monitor nutrition levels for children and pregnant women, is being revived to improve effectiveness.
• Source: Government of India’s Poshan Abhiyaan report, CAG Report (2020).

c. Community Engagement and Social Accountability

• The programme encourages community mobilization through local institutions such as Poshan Panchayats (nutrition committees), mothers’ groups, and self-help groups (SHGs), which help spread awareness and ensure local participation.
• Social Audits are conducted to improve transparency, ensure funds are used efficiently, and reduce corruption and leakages.

d. Funding and Cost-Effective Support

• Centralized funding ensures that adequate financial resources are available to states, with a cost-sharing model between the central and state governments, which helps reduce the financial burden on states.

e. Strengthening Anganwadis

• The role of Anganwadis is pivotal in data collection, monitoring, and awareness generation. The programme emphasizes strengthening Anganwadis as centers of nutrition education, counseling, and community outreach.
• Source: Ministry of Women and Child Development reports.

3. Conclusion (Call for Action and Final Thoughts)

• Reiterate the importance of integrated approaches in tackling malnutrition.
• Emphasize the need for better coordination between departments, improved infrastructure at Anganwadi centers, and community-driven solutions.
• Highlight the importance of reviving monitoring systems to track progress and ensure timely interventions.

Relevant Facts for Answer Writing

1. NFHS-5 Data on Malnutrition:
   • 35.5% of children under 5 years are stunted, 19.3% are wasted, 32.1% are underweight, and 67.1% of children aged 6-59 months suffer from anemia.
2. Poshan Abhiyaan Funds and Utilization:
   • Of the 4300 crore rupees allocated under Poshan Abhiyaan from March 2018 to December 2019, only 1570 crores were spent, highlighting issues in fund utilization.
   • Source: CAG Report (2020)
3. Role of Poshan Tracker App:
   • The Poshan Tracker application is being used for real-time tracking of malnutrition indicators such as stunting, wasting, and underweight in children.
   • Source: Government of India Poshan Abhiyaan reports.
4. Anganwadi and Community-Based Approach:
   • The Saksham Anganwadi model focuses on empowering Anganwadis as centers for nutrition education, data collection, and local outreach.
   • Source: Ministry of Women and Child Development reports.
5. Social Audit and Transparency Mechanisms:
   • Poshan Panchayats, mothers’ groups, and self-help groups (SHGs) are used to ensure transparency and accountability in the implementation of the programme.
6. Cost-Sharing Model Between Central and State Governments:
   • The Integrated Nutrition Support Programme operates on a cost-sharing basis, with the central government providing funding support to states to ensure uniform implementation.
7. Celebration of Rashtriya Poshan Maah:
   • Rashtriya Poshan Maah (National Nutrition Month) is celebrated every September to raise awareness about nutrition and mobilize communities.