24 Jul Mission Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0: UPSC Polity & Governance
Subject Relevance — Where This Topic Fits
- GS Paper II — Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation | GS Paper II — Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the Population by the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes | GS Paper II — Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
- Prelims: Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, Poshan Tracker application, Supplementary Nutrition Programme, Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM), National Food Security Act, 2013, Centrally Sponsored Scheme, Anganwadi Services
- Essay: The role of government initiatives in addressing malnutrition and promoting public health in India., Community participation and technological integration as pillars of effective social welfare programmes.
Quick Revision: Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 is a comprehensive, centrally sponsored initiative integrating Anganwadi services, Poshan Abhiyaan, and adolescent girl schemes, leveraging technology like the Poshan Tracker to enhance nutritional outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Why is this in the news?
The Ministry of Women and Child Development has launched Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, an integrated scheme aimed at improving nutritional outcomes among children aged 0-6 years, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and adolescent girls. This initiative consolidates existing programmes such as Anganwadi Services, Poshan Abhiyaan, and the Scheme for Adolescent Girls, introducing advanced monitoring tools like the ‘Poshan Tracker’ application and revised nutritional guidelines to ensure comprehensive and targeted intervention.
Background
- Malnutrition, encompassing stunting, wasting, underweight, and anaemia, remains a significant public health challenge in India, particularly affecting children and women.
- The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme, launched in 1975, has been a flagship programme providing a package of services including supplementary nutrition, pre-school non-formal education, nutrition and health education, immunisation, health check-up, and referral services.
- Poshan Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission), launched in 2018, aimed to reduce stunting, under-nutrition, anaemia, and low birth weight, employing a multi-ministerial convergence approach and leveraging technology.
- The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, legally entitles beneficiaries to receive food grains and mandates nutritional support to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children.
- Technological advancements, such as the ‘Poshan Tracker’ application, have been introduced to enhance real-time monitoring and tracking of service delivery and beneficiary outcomes.
- Collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare are crucial for holistic management of malnutrition, particularly Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM).
What is Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0?
- Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 is a Centrally Sponsored Mission launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
- It integrates Anganwadi Services, Poshan Abhiyaan, and the Scheme for Adolescent Girls (14-18 years, in Aspirational Districts and North Eastern Region) to improve nutritional outcomes.
- Beneficiaries include children under 6 years, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and adolescent girls (14-18 years in North Eastern States and Aspirational Districts).
- The ‘Poshan Tracker’ application is a key administrative tool for real-time monitoring of Anganwadi services, including daily attendance, ECCE activities, growth monitoring, and distribution of Hot Cooked Meals (HCM) and Take Home Ration (THR).
- A Facial Recognition System (FRS) has been introduced in the Poshan Tracker app for THR distribution to ensure benefits reach registered beneficiaries.
- The mission focuses on reducing malnutrition and improving health, well-being, and immunity through community engagement, awareness campaigns, and behaviour change communication.
- It emphasizes maternal nutrition, infant and young child feeding norms, management of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM)/Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM), and health through AYUSH practices.
- Supplementary nutrition, as per revised nutritional norms specified in Schedule-II of the National Food Security Act, 2013, is provided, focusing on dietary diversity, quality protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients.
Key Features
| Feature | Significance |
|---|---|
| Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 (Mission Poshan 2.0) | A centrally sponsored mission integrating Anganwadi Services, Poshan Abhiyaan, and the Scheme for Adolescent Girls (14-18 years, in aspirational districts and North-Eastern Region) to enhance nutritional outcomes for children aged 0-6 years. |
| Beneficiary Coverage | Encompasses children under 6 years, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and adolescent girls (14-18 years, in North-Eastern States and Aspirational Districts). |
| Poshan Tracker Application | An administrative tool for real-time data collection on Anganwadi services, including daily attendance, ECCE activities, growth monitoring, and distribution of Hot Cooked Meals (HCM) and Take Home Ration (THR). It facilitates end-to-end monitoring. |
| Facial Recognition System (FRS) in Poshan Tracker | Implemented for THR distribution to ensure benefits reach only the targeted beneficiaries registered in the Poshan Tracker, enhancing accountability and reducing leakages. |
| Revised Supplementary Nutrition Norms (January 2023) | Shifted from primarily calorie-based to comprehensive, balanced norms based on dietary diversity, ensuring quality protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients for beneficiaries. |
| Joint Protocol for Malnutrition Management | Issued by the Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for the prevention and management of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in children, focusing on community-based approaches. |
Why it Matters
Social Welfare and Human Development
- Directly addresses the critical issue of malnutrition among vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers, which is fundamental for human capital formation.
- Promotes holistic development by integrating health, nutrition, and early childhood care and education services through Anganwadi Centres.
- Empowers adolescent girls through targeted interventions, contributing to their health, education, and future productivity.
Governance and Public Service Delivery
- Leverages technology (Poshan Tracker, FRS) for enhanced transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the delivery of nutritional services, reducing pilferage and ensuring targeted delivery.
- Facilitates data-driven decision-making and policy adjustments through real-time monitoring and evaluation of scheme implementation.
- Fosters inter-ministerial convergence (WCD and Health & Family Welfare) for a more coordinated and effective approach to public health challenges.
Economic Implications
- Reduces the long-term economic burden associated with malnutrition, such as healthcare costs and lost productivity due to illness and cognitive impairments.
- Invests in the health and cognitive development of the future workforce, potentially leading to higher economic productivity and reduced poverty.
- Strengthens the social safety net, providing essential support to economically vulnerable households and contributing to inclusive growth.
Public Health and Nutrition
- Aims to reduce the prevalence of stunting, wasting, anaemia, and underweight among children and women, which are key indicators of national health.
- Emphasizes dietary diversity and micronutrient provision, moving beyond mere calorie intake to address hidden hunger.
- Strengthens community-based management of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), crucial for early identification and intervention.
Challenges
1. Implementation Gaps and Last-Mile Delivery
- Ensuring uniform and effective implementation across diverse geographical regions and socio-economic contexts remains a challenge.
- Addressing logistical hurdles in the supply chain for supplementary nutrition, particularly in remote and inaccessible areas.
UPSC Link: Social Justice: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
2. Behavioural Change and Community Engagement
- Overcoming deep-rooted socio-cultural practices and dietary habits that hinder the adoption of optimal nutrition and health practices.
- Sustaining community mobilization and awareness campaigns to ensure active participation and ownership among beneficiaries.
UPSC Link: Social Justice: Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
3. Data Accuracy and Technology Adoption
- Ensuring the integrity and accuracy of data collected through the Poshan Tracker, especially in areas with limited digital literacy or connectivity.
- Addressing potential resistance or technical difficulties among Anganwadi Workers in adopting and effectively utilizing new digital tools like FRS.
UPSC Link: Governance: E-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.
4. Resource Allocation and Human Resources
- Ensuring adequate financial resources and timely disbursement to states and union territories for effective scheme implementation.
- Addressing the training needs and workload of Anganwadi Workers, who are pivotal for ground-level service delivery and data collection.
UPSC Link: Social Justice: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes.
Challenges — UPSC Perspective
| Issue | Concern |
|---|---|
| Nutritional Diversity vs. Traditional Diets | Difficulty in integrating revised, diverse nutritional norms with local food preferences and availability, potentially leading to lower acceptance or compliance. |
| Digital Divide and Infrastructure | Unequal access to smartphones, internet connectivity, and electricity in remote areas, hindering the effective use of Poshan Tracker and FRS by Anganwadi Workers and beneficiaries. |
| Monitoring and Evaluation Effectiveness | Ensuring that the data collected through Poshan Tracker translates into timely and effective corrective actions at the ground level, beyond mere reporting. |
| Sustainability of Behavioural Change | Maintaining long-term behavioural changes in hygiene, feeding practices, and health-seeking behaviours, which often revert without continuous reinforcement. |
| Inter-sectoral Coordination Gaps | Despite joint protocols, practical challenges in seamless coordination between the Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare at the district and block levels. |
Government Initiatives — Must-Memorise for Prelims
- Anganwadi Services
- Poshan Abhiyaan
- Scheme for Adolescent Girls
Way Forward
- Strengthen the capacity building and digital literacy of Anganwadi Workers to ensure effective utilization of technology like Poshan Tracker and FRS.
- Enhance inter-ministerial convergence at the district level for seamless implementation of health and nutrition interventions.
- Develop culturally appropriate communication strategies for community mobilization and behavioural change, leveraging local influencers and traditional media.
- Ensure timely and adequate allocation of financial resources to states and union territories, along with robust accountability mechanisms.
- Conduct regular, independent evaluations of the mission’s impact, utilizing data from Poshan Tracker to identify gaps and inform policy adjustments.
- Promote local sourcing and diversification of supplementary nutrition, considering regional dietary patterns and availability of nutrient-rich foods.
- Establish a robust grievance redressal mechanism for beneficiaries to report issues related to service delivery and quality of nutrition.
UPSC Value Addition
Keywords for Mains Answer-Writing
Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 · Poshan Tracker application · Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) · Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) · National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013 · Supplementary Nutrition Programme · Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) · Community-based management of malnutrition · Dietary diversity · Inter-ministerial convergence
Constitutional & Policy Linkages
- Article 39(e) – Health of workers, children
- Article 39(f) – Opportunities for healthy child development
- Article 47 – Raising level of nutrition and public health
Concept Flow
Malnutrition among vulnerable groups → Launch of Mission Poshan 2.0 → Integrated services and technology (Poshan Tracker) → Improved monitoring and targeted delivery → Enhanced nutritional outcomes and health indicators → Human capital development and national progress
Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0:
1. It is a centrally sponsored mission aimed at improving nutritional outcomes for children aged 0-6 years, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and adolescent girls.
2. The ‘Poshan Tracker’ application facilitates real-time data collection for Anganwadi services and monitors the distribution of Take-Home Ration (THR) using a facial recognition system.
3. The mission’s supplementary nutrition guidelines, revised in January 2023, emphasize dietary diversity, quality protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients, moving beyond a purely calorie-based approach.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: 1, 2 and 3 — All three statements are correct. Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 is indeed a centrally sponsored scheme with broad beneficiary coverage. The Poshan Tracker app is a key administrative tool utilizing real-time data and FRS for THR distribution. The revised nutritional guidelines prioritize a comprehensive, balanced approach focusing on dietary diversity and specific nutrients.
Q2. With reference to the management of malnutrition in India, consider the following:
1. The Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have jointly issued protocols for the management of malnutrition in children.
2. Supplementary nutrition under Mission Poshan 2.0 is provided in accordance with the nutritional standards specified in Schedule-II of the National Food Security Act, 2013.
3. The community-based approach for Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) involves timely identification, screening, and home-based management with nutritious local food for children without medical complications.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: 1, 2 and 3 — All three statements are correct. The collaboration between the two ministries for malnutrition management, the adherence to NFSA 2013 nutritional standards, and the community-based approach for SAM are all integral components of the current strategy.
Q3. Which of the following age groups are included as beneficiaries under Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0?
1. Children aged 0-6 years
2. Pregnant women
3. Lactating mothers
4. Adolescent girls (14-18 years) in aspirational districts and the North-Eastern region
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1, 2 and 3 only
- 1, 3 and 4 only
- 2, 3 and 4 only
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: 1, 2, 3 and 4 — All four categories are explicitly mentioned as beneficiaries of Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0. The mission encompasses a holistic approach to address nutritional needs across these vulnerable groups.
Mains Practice Question
✍ Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 represents a significant evolution in India’s strategy to combat malnutrition. Critically analyze the key features and innovations of this mission, particularly focusing on its inter-ministerial convergence, technology integration, and revised nutritional guidelines. Discuss how these elements collectively aim to improve nutritional outcomes and address the multi-faceted challenge of malnutrition in India.
Approach: Candidates should begin by introducing Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 and its overarching objective. The analysis should then delve into its key features, such as the consolidation of previous schemes, the emphasis on a life-cycle approach, and the specific beneficiary groups. A critical examination of inter-ministerial convergence, particularly between the Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, is essential. The role of technology, exemplified by the ‘Poshan Tracker’ application and its facial recognition system, should be discussed in terms of real-time monitoring and service delivery. Furthermore, the significance of the revised nutritional guidelines, moving towards dietary diversity and micronutrient focus, needs to be highlighted. Conclude by assessing the potential impact of these innovations on reducing the prevalence of stunting, wasting, anemia, and underweight, and addressing the multi-faceted nature of malnutrition in India.
Source: PIB (Press Information Bureau)
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