‘MISSION’ APPROACH
TO TACKLE MAL-NUTRITION IN 51 DISTRICTS
Dr.
JOSHI SEEKS MPs' SUPPORT IN MONITORING OF PROJECT
Mal-nutrition, which
has till now been targetted by various programmes of the Central
and State governments, is now sought to be attacked on a ‘mission’
mode by a multi-pronged strategy, converging the existing programmes,
giving impetus to programme implementation, and proper monitoring.
Outlining the strategy
of the National Nutrition Mission, the Human Resource Development
Minister, Dr. MM Joshi today informed the parliamentary Consultative
Committee attached to his ministry that the scourge of mal-nutrition,
especially among women, cannot be tacked in isolation and any
physical support must be supplemented with education on related
aspects. The government has, therefore, decided to start an ambitious
National Nutrition Mission. The Mission is to be chaired by the
Prime Minister and its Executive Committee headed by the Human
Resource Development Minister.
A pilot project of
the NNM has been started in 51 backward districts this year, with
an outlay of Rs. 103.3 crore for the first two years 2002-04.
Besides having its own novel components the pilot project synergies
the programmes already launched by Central Ministries and State
Governments in the areas of health, and women and child development.
It also associates panchayati raj functionaries and NGOs for advocacy,
education, public participation and monitoring.
The 51 districts
for the pilot project have been selected based on their backwardness,
from all the States and Union Territories. In these district,
Angan Wadi Centres have the responsibility to identify under-nourished
women (adolescent girls weighing less than 35 Kgs., and pregnant
and lactating mothers weighing less than 40 Kgs.). Their families
are being given 6 Kg wheat/rice free, from the ration shop, every
month, for 3 months. If after that period the weight of the person
does not rise upto the required level, her case is investigated
further and referred for health check-up if necessary. In addition
to free ration, the affected families are given education on nutrition
and general health, health check-up and referral services as required.
Dr Joshi said that
mal-nutrition, especially among young mothers is not only a manifestation
of poverty, it leads to myriad problems transcending generations.
This is found to result in huge losses in terms of productivity,
health and schooling besides lowering the overall quality of life
of those affected. He emphasised on proper monitoring of the programme
and exhorted Members of Parliament to bring to the notice of the
Ministry any irregularities found by them in its implementation.
While stressing the
need for focussed governmental intervention, the Minister said
that community involvement and use of traditional wisdom are necessary
for success of such programmes. Members agreed that traditional
methods of cooking, use of natural food and breast feeding need
to be encouraged, and people educated about the nutritional richness
of local food items.
The Consultative
Committee meeting was attended by the Minister of State, Smt Rita
Verma; Smt V. Rajeshwaramma, Dr. (Smt.) Beadrix D’ Souza, Begum
Noor Bano, Dr (Smt.)Kumkum Rai; S/Shri G.S. Vasvaraj, Chowdhury
Talib Hussain, SP Goutam, R S Surya, Faguni Ram, HS Mahale, Dr.
V. Matreyan, (Members of Parliament); and senior officers of the
Ministry.
