GS2: Social justice, Hunger

GS1: Women related issue

UP model to tackle malnutrition

Community based Micro-enterprises SHG model to deliver take home ration for Anganwadi. From anganwadi through ICDS take home ration will be delivered for pregnant women, lactating mothers and children.

Once the food is delivered to Anganwadi, microenterprises are reimbursed according to cost norms.

UP modle aims meet multiple objectives

1. Creates livelihood opportunities for women. 4080 women benefited from micro enterprises.
   • Economical autonomy will be ensured to women (8000 rupees to each woman is provided)- Economic dependence on men is the main cause for persisting patriarchy.
2. Decentralized model- Earlier centralized model was used to produce take home ration modules. Tenders were given to private entities.
   • Decentralized models like SHGs will produce take home kits based on specific calories.
   • Raw materials are delivered to them like wheat, rice, they should produce take-home ration modules for ICDS beneficiaries.
   • Benefits the local economy also- Many ingredients are procured locally as well.
   • Accelerates demand in rural areas, once women start earning the income.
3. Ensuring food safety: National accreditation for testing and calibration laboratories accredited laboratories test and certify the requisite protein value and calories for food safety.
   • All cooking, storage instructions are provided according FSSAI standards.
4. Diversified nutrition and protein: Apart from wheat and rice, oil, milk powder, other vitamins and proteins are packed in the kits.
   • It increases consumption and demand for food.
   • Helps to eliminate hidden hunger- hunger due to lack of nutrition and protein.
5. Innovative measures to increase the uptake:
   • Sweet and savory options like high nutritious halwas, besan barfis, moong dal khichdi.

6. Reach of ICDS has increased to 12 million people.
7. Technology based solutions
   • Women are trained from the apps to produce the nutritious ration kits for even local markets also. Improves revenue for them.
   • QR based accountability system, officials can track the delivery status of the food kits.

The UP model is an example of how a multi stakeholder approach can be utilized to achieve a welfare solution which can be scalable by leveraging the strength of the local community.