The article addresses the ongoing malnutrition crisis in India, despite numerous government programs aimed at maternal and child health. The primary focus is on the National Nutrition Mission (NNM) and its ambitious goal of creating a malnutrition-free India by 2022. Albeit, the task at hand remains complex due to several underlying issues, like poverty, inequitable food distribution, poor sanitation, and minimal access to quality health services. Furthermore, the absence of real-time data monitoring, coupled with the underutilization of allocated resources, appears to hinder the operational success of NNM.
The National Nutrition Mission and Its Objectives
The NNM, supported by the National Nutrition Strategy drafted by the NITI Aayog, aims to battle the widespread malnutrition crisis in India. The mission’s objectives encompass a vast demographic, including young children, women, and adolescent girls.
Goals include reducing stunting, under-nutrition, anaemia, and incidences of low birth weight within the target group. Through these measures, the policy aspires to benefit over 100 million people.
Functions of the National Nutrition Strategy
The strategy aims to synthesize various schemes designed to combat malnutrition and establish a robust convergence mechanism alongside an ICT-based real-time monitoring system. The policy also looks to engage states and Union territories through incentives for meeting set targets.
Additional incentives are extended to Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) for utilizing IT-based tools, conducting social audits, and establishing nutrition resource centres involving community participation.
The Complexity of Malnutrition in India
Despite clearly outlined intents and objectives, the successful implementation of the policy may be challenging due to the multi-dimensional nature of malnutrition. It is primarily caused by a combination of factors, including poverty, inadequate food consumption, improper maternal care practices, gender imbalances, and poor sanitary conditions.
Moreover, the lack of quality health, education, and social care services further complicates the issue. Also, healthcare-related ministries and departments often operate independently, resulting in ineffective coordination.
Underutilization of Allocated Resources
Systematic issues within the scheme, such as underutilization of allocated funds, impede its effective execution. In 2018-19, only 16% of allocated resources were utilized, mirroring the trend in several other government programs.
Data Monitoring and Accountability
| Problem Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Lack of real-time data monitoring | Current systems do not allow for regular, accurate tracking of program progress |
| Low sustainability | The program’s design may not be sustainable over a long period |
| Insufficient accountability | The system does not effectively hold relevant parties accountable for their duties or failures |
Strengthening Monitoring and Delivery Systems
The success of NNM would depend on addressing these shortcomings. Strengthening both monitoring and delivery systems could significantly aid in accomplishing its ambitious goal of eradicating malnutrition from India by 2022. Utilizing real-time data monitoring, improving sustainability, and ensuring strict accountability at every level could be potential solutions to the challenges faced.