On India’s 75th Independence Day, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi unveiled the visionary initiative ‘Amrit Kaal,’ with the ambitious goal of fostering an empowered and inclusive economy for India by 2047 (PIB 2021). This vision sets the trajectory for India@2047, envisioning comprehensive economic development that transcends barriers and uplifts the nation to new heights of prosperity and inclusivity.
Building upon the Prime Minister’s vision, the Union Finance Minister (FM), in her Union Budget FY 2023-2024 speech, articulated that the focus of Amrit Kaal is guided by seven priorities or ‘Saptarishi’, that synergistically complement each other. Among these, three pivotal priorities—1) Inclusive Development, 2) Reaching the Last Mile, and 3) Youth Power—hold particular significance in shaping the overarching vision and mission (PIB 2024). Further, in the recently announced interim budget 2024-25, the Union Finance Minister has highlighted that for Inclusive Development during Amrit Kaal, there needs to be a concerted effort to accelerate enhanced nutrition delivery, early childhood care, and overall development (Ministry of Finance 2024).
Thus, in the pursuit of India@2047, effective nutrition management stands as a cornerstone which is reflected in the commitment seen in government endeavors such as Saksham Angandwadi and Poshan 2.0. Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, referred to as Poshan 2.0, is an ‘Integrated Nutrition Support Programme aimed at combating malnutrition among children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers’ (MWCD, n.d).
The positive effects of the government’s effort are evident with a noteworthy 21% surge in women’s enrollment for antenatal care during their first trimester (October 2023) in the aspirational districts (Ministry of Finance 2024). Additionally, as per the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), Iron Folic Acid (IFA) consumption for more than 100 days was reported as 44% among pregnant women as compared to 30% reported in NFHS-4. Among children below the age of 5 years, the prevalence of Stunting (low height for age), has decreased from 38% (NFHS 5) to 36% (NFHS 4), wasting (low weight for height) has reduced from 21% to 19%, and 32% children are underweight compared to 36%, as per NFHS 4. (MoHFW 2019-21; MWCD 2023; WHO n.d.)
To complement the efforts of Vision India@2047, Feeding India is working towards designing and implementing programs aimed at reducing hunger and creating a malnutrition-free nation. Through a multi-faceted strategy, Feeding India drives its mission by supporting large-scale systemic interventions, direct meal support to low-income/government and non-government schools, and raising social awareness about malnutrition through a youth-led volunteer movement.
Feeding India is committed to an India that is economically thriving, facilitating ample opportunities for citizens, especially the youth, to fulfill aspirations, and one which is malnutrition-free. Since its inception, FI has provided over 150 million meals through 150+ Implementation Partners across 30+ cities and is committed to providing nutritious meals to an additional 300 million meals to underprivileged communities by 2030.”
References
- Press Information Bureau (PIB) 2021, The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 75th Independence Day, Prime Minister’s Office, Government of India.
- Press Information Bureau (PIB) 2024, SUMMARY OF THE UNION BUDGET 2023-24 , Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
- Ministry of Finance (2024), Union Budget, Government of India.
- Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) (n.d.), Introduction: Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, Government of India.
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) (2019-2021), National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) 2019-21, Government of India.
- Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) (2023), Steady improvement in indicators for malnutrition, Government of India.
- World Health Organization (WHO) (n.d.), Nutrition Landscape Information System (NLiS), Accessed February 1, 2024.
Authors: Disha Kouli and Glaison Cherian
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