Reforming Early Childhood Nutrition in India: Beyond Budgeting
Early childhood nutrition needs more than budget reforms
Image: Hindustan Times
India's early childhood nutrition program, supported by over 1.4 million anganwadi centres, faces systemic challenges beyond funding, including inadequate infrastructure and workforce issues. Despite significant budget allocations, malnutrition remains prevalent, with 35.5% of children under five stunted. Comprehensive reforms are essential to improve outcomes and combat malnutrition effectively.
- 01According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 35.5% of children under five in India are stunted, highlighting severe malnutrition issues.
- 02The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program receives annual allocations of approximately ₹21,000–23,000 crore (roughly $2.5–2.8 billion USD) for nutrition.
- 03Many anganwadi centres operate from inadequate facilities, with a shortage of 16,045 centres reported in Gujarat alone.
- 04Anganwadi workers (AWWs) earn a central honorarium of ₹4,500 (around $54 USD) per month, often supplemented by state contributions, leading to total compensation ranging from ₹6,000 to ₹15,000 (approximately $72–$180 USD).
- 05The Poshan Tracker app aims to improve monitoring, but the focus remains on inputs rather than child growth outcomes, necessitating a shift towards measuring effective results.
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India's extensive network of over 1.4 million anganwadi centres serves as the backbone of its early childhood nutrition and development program, catering to more than 8 crore children and mothers. Despite substantial annual funding of around ₹21,000–23,000 crore (approximately $2.5–2.8 billion USD), malnutrition persists, with 35.5% of children under five reported as stunted according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5). The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), bolstered by initiatives like Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, aims to upgrade facilities and improve service delivery. However, many centres lack basic infrastructure, operating from unsuitable locations and facing significant workforce challenges. Anganwadi workers (AWWs) are underpaid and overburdened, with compensation often inadequate relative to their responsibilities. Training and professional development opportunities are limited, further compromising service quality. The Poshan Tracker app has improved monitoring, but the focus remains on inputs rather than tangible outcomes. To tackle these issues, comprehensive reforms are necessary, including enhancing infrastructure, improving workforce conditions, and shifting towards outcome-oriented accountability. By prioritizing early childhood nutrition, India can address malnutrition effectively and foster healthier future generations.
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Improving early childhood nutrition can significantly enhance child development outcomes, which in turn affects education and future economic productivity.
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