Enhancing Nutrition Through Mission Poshan 2.0
The Indian government launched Poshan Abhiyaan on March 8, 2018. This initiative aims to improve nutritional outcomes for vulnerable groups, including children, adolescents, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. The program focuses on holistic nourishment and addresses the pressing issue of malnutrition in the country. To strengthen the capacity of Anganwadi workers, the Incremental Learning Approach (ILA) was introduced. Under the 15th Finance Commission, various components, including Anganwadi services and the Scheme for Adolescent Girls, have been integrated into a broader initiative called Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, or Mission Poshan 2.0.
Technological Empowerment of Anganwadi Workers
Mission Poshan 2.0 has significantly empowered Anganwadi workers (AWWs) through technology. The initiative provides AWWs with smartphones to enhance monitoring and service delivery. This technological advancement aims to streamline nutrition delivery support systems at Anganwadi centers. It allows for the dynamic identification of stunting, wasting, and underweight prevalence among children aged 0-6 years.
The use of IT systems facilitates near real-time data collection for various Anganwadi services. These services include daily attendance tracking, early childhood care and education (ECCE), and the provision of hot cooked meals or take-home rations. The smartphone application acts as a job aid for AWWs, replacing the need for physical registers. This shift reduces their workload and increases efficiency in service delivery.
Moreover, learning modules on nutrition and early care are available online through the Poshan Tracker. This resource helps build the capacity of Anganwadi workers, ensuring they are well-equipped to provide essential services to children and mothers.
Upskilling Initiatives for Anganwadi Workers
On May 10, 2023, the government launched the Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi (PBPB) initiative. This program aims to upskill Anganwadi workers, enhancing their ability to provide early childhood care and nutrition services to children under six years of age. As of now, 31,114 State Level Monitoring Teams (SLMTs), including Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs), supervisors, and additional resource persons, have been trained. Additionally, 145,481 Anganwadi workers have received training across the country under this initiative.
The PBPB initiative focuses on equipping AWWs with the necessary skills and knowledge to address the nutritional needs of children effectively. By enhancing their capabilities, the program aims to ensure that children receive the best possible care and nutrition during their formative years.
Incentives for Optimal Service Delivery
A key component of Mission Poshan 2.0 is the incentivization of Anganwadi workers and helpers. The program offers monthly performance-linked incentives to encourage optimal delivery of nutrition and health services. Anganwadi workers receive an incentive of ₹500 per month, while Anganwadi helpers receive ₹250. These incentives are linked to specific tasks, such as growth measurement, home visits, and the opening of Anganwadi centers.
By providing financial incentives, the government aims to motivate AWWs and helpers to perform their duties effectively. This approach not only enhances service delivery but also supports behavior change among the communities they serve. The incentives serve as a recognition of the hard work and dedication of these frontline workers in combating malnutrition and promoting health.
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