The
ICDS provides an unique opportunity for regular nutritional and. creating a
data base. Efforts for elimination of malnutrition will remain incomplete
without such a� surveillance .This has
been recognised in the PMGY and a provision of performance linked incentive to Anganwadi Workers, based on monthly
weighing of all children, has been made. This can be linked with the SHG and
Women empowerment issues in a holistic approach.
Following
steps/programs� can be synthesized for
better results.
1] Weighing scales in AW
Centres:� Ensure that� each AW centre is equipped with weighing
scales. The system of end use verification can be utilised for random check on
the timely distribution of the scales and sometimes, on the quality of
weighing.
2] District level
monitoring through mapping: Mapping
techniques by using MS Power Point tool will allow district authorities to
monitor and improve enrolment and weighing of children as well as their
nutritional status. It will help them to analyse the data and take corrective measures. Aspects like gender or social gaps in nutritional
levels and seasonality in malnutrition
can be readily analysed on
these maps The colour maps are also eye catching media attractions and can be
popularized through media budget.
3]
Involve SHGs in Supplimentary Nutrition Program: Ensuring supplementary
nutrition to the malnourished is the other vital element in the task.
Experience in the SNPs has been unsatisfactory The PMGY stipulates
supplementary nutrition in the form of fortified
nutritious food in dry powdered form
and in good quality packing.� It thus sets standards in terms of contents, processing and
packaging.
��������� This prescription is laudable.
However, given the number of children and the supply logistics, the task is mammoth. But it is
possible to streamline the entire
supplementary nutrition programme through involvement of SHGs.
4]
Undertake a skill up-gradation program for SHGs: Today, SHG schemes have come
a long way in India with no dearth of competent groups engaged in productive
economic activities. However, there is no systematic provision for their skill
upgradation / expansion or diversification based on performance. The PMGY / SNP
programme can create this space with
women�s SHGs by initially selecting a 1000 SHGs and assigning them the task of
production and distribution of ready to eat food. They have to be equipped to
maintain the quality, consistency and packaging requirement prescribed. Even at
a turnover of Rs. 1.00 lakh per annum per SHG, a scheme of Rs. 10 crore can sustain 1000 SHGs.
Without
such a linking of marketing arrangement SHGs cannot sustain.
5]
Creating and encouraging good practices in SHGs: The selection of the SHGs
has to be merit based and apolitical. This can be based on fairly standardised
�credit � rating� practices. Only those SHGs which have consistently done
production activities on a profitable basis for at least five years, should be
selected in the first instance. This has to be made mandatory. As more and more
eligible SHGs emerge they can be made SNP providers on a rotation basis but
that is a future activity.
6]
A scheme similar to erstwhile TRYSEM will be needed for training and quality control activity as well as supporting credit rating practices / mechanism for SHGs. Proper incentives to
performing AW workers and the SHGs must be ensured through awards, study visits
and other ways of recognition for these performers.