The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) and the World Food Programme (WFP) recently published a report titled “Take Home Ration: Good Practices throughout the State/Union Territories”. This informative piece aims to shed light on the Take Home Ration (THR) scheme, its challenges, potential solutions, and other similar government initiatives.
About the World Food Programme (WFP)
Established in 1961 by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian organisation. It provides food aid to those affected by war, natural disasters, and climate change, thereby contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity. The organization bagged the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its tireless efforts. Headquartered in Rome, Italy, the WFP is a constituent of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG).
Highlights from the Report
The report contains a comprehensive record of the innovative and effective practices adopted in the administration of the THR scheme across states and union territories. The government has acted inventively to reach remote areas, receiving recognition for various aspects, including production, delivery, packaging, quality control, and changes in societal behaviours through JAN BHAGIDARI.
Understanding the Take Home Ration (THR) Scheme
Under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), the Indian government offers the THR scheme as part of its Supplementary Nutrition initiative. This scheme aims to bridge the nutritional gap among children, expecting mothers, and lactating women by providing them with fortified rations for home use. These rations can either be given as raw ingredients or precooked packets, and are available via two means: Take-Home Rations and Hot-Cooked Meals at Anganwadi Centers.
Challenges Faced by the THR Scheme
The THR scheme faces numerous obstacles, including a leaky delivery system that often sees rations siphoned off to the black market. Poor quality of goods, lack of transparency in the delivery mechanism, and inefficient traditional methods of procurement, sorting, and delivery also contribute to these challenges. Additionally, the absence of storage facilities often leads to wastage of food grains.
Other Similar Government Schemes
Alongside the THR scheme, the government has initiated several other similar projects. The National Health Mission (NHM), introduced in 2013, consolidates the National Rural Health Mission and the National Urban Health Mission. In September 2021, the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman or PM-POSHAN was approved, aiming to provide a hot cooked meal in Government and Government-aided schools. The scheme replaced the Mid-day Meal Scheme with a budget of Rs 1.31 trillion. The National Nutrition Strategy, another such initiative, seeks to eradicate all forms of malnutrition by 2030, primarily focusing on vulnerable and critical age groups.
Looking Ahead: Bettering the THR Scheme
In order to achieve our nutritional goals in a timely manner, the THR scheme needs significant strengthening. We need to look at the best practices and analyses of innovative THR programmes from various states and union territories. Innovations regarding production, distribution, quality control, monitoring, and use of technology can potentially revolutionize the THR scheme. By learning through comparison and adapting successfully implemented methods, we can ensure effective delivery of this essential service.
