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TAKE HOME RATION
Designed b y
TAKE HOME
RATION
GOOD PRACTICES-ACROSS THE STATES/UT s TAKE HOME RATION: GOOD PRACTICES
ACROSS THE STATES/UT s
Publishing Agency: NITI Aayog
Year of Publication: 2022
Language: English
ISBN: 978-81-953811-1-1
DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/ekzcv
Authors:
NITI AAYOG
Dr. Rakesh Sarwal (Additional Secretary)
Hemant Kumar Meena (Deputy Secretary)
Dr. Rinky Thakur (Research Officer)
UN World Food Programme
Dr. Shariqua Yunus Khan (Head of Nutrition and School Feeding unit)
Mr. Eric Kenefick (Deputy Country Director)
Suggested Citation:
Sarwal, R., Meena, H. K., Thakur, R., Yunus, S., & kenefick, E. (2022, July 4).
TAKE HOME RATION GOOD PRACTICES-ACROSS THE STATES/UTs.
https://doi.org/10.31219/osf.io/ekzcv
Disclaimer:
The document for Take Home Ration Good Practices across the State/UTs
is based on secondary data sources and information received from the
Department of Women and Child Development of various States/UTs. NITI
Aayog does not guarantee the accuracy of data or accept responsibility for
the consequences of using this data, as this document is based purely on
information received from secondary sources. iii Foreword
Good nutrition is an essential requirement for leading a healthy life and achieving
one’s full growth potential. Malnutrition is responsible for disease, morbidity,
and unequal opportunity. India has been implementing the Integrated Child
Development Services Scheme for addressing malnutrition. Under this, the Take-
Home Rations (THR) programme provides fortified rations for home use for
children aged between 6 and 36 months, and pregnant and lactating women.
Malnutrition numbers in the country point to the fact that there is a lot to achieve.
To give further impetus to nutrition efforts the Government of India launched
the National Nutrition Mission, or POSHAN Abhiyan, with a target to reduce
undernutrition by 2 percent per year.
The current THR programme has been found to be very resilient in the face of the
COVID-19 disruption and has helped communities to manage the negative impact
of the pandemic on child and maternal nutrition. This programme has catered
to the needs of the most vulnerable sections of the society. There is a need to
further strengthen it to achieve the nutritional targets in a time-bound manner.
This document on good practices compiles and collates innovations in THR
programmes in various States and Union Territories. Aspects related to production,
distribution, hygiene, labelling, packaging, monitoring, and quality assurance have
been reviewed to generate a catalogue of good practices.
I would like to commend this collaborative effort between NITI Aayog and the UN
World Food Programme in developing this document. I trust this will help State
Governments/Union Territories to adopt good practices in their THR programmes.
Vice Chairman
NITI Aayog
Foreword
Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog iv vi vii Message
Message
CEO, NITI Aayog
Though India’s nutritional outcomes have improved consistently over the years,
the country is still grappling with child malnutrition, as reflected in high prevalence
of low birth weight, stunting, wasting and severe wasting. The ‘first 1000 days’
window is of critical importance for ensuring full growth and development of
children. India has one of the largest child nutrition programmes in the world –
the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme.
Adequate nutrition during infancy and early childhood is essential to ensure
that children are healthy and reach their full growth and development potential.
After six months of age, complementary feeding is required to meet the infant’s
nutritional needs. Optimal infant and young child feeding practices are key in
helping children reach their potential during infancy and early childhood.
Through the ICDS programme, Take-Home Ration (THR) is distributed to children
aged 6–36 months and to pregnant/lactating women for consumption at home.
THR aims to fill in the nutrition gap among infants and young children by way
of complementary feeding.
I am very happy that NITI Aayog and the UN World Food Programme have
collaborated in bringing out good practices related to THR prevalence across
the States/UTs. There has been a lot of innovation in the field of THR in terms
of production, distribution, quality control, monitoring, and use of technology.
Such good practices will definitely help other States/UTs to further strengthen
the effectiveness of their THR programmes.
CEO, NITI Aayog viii ix Preface
Preface
Over the past decades, India has been making consistent progress towards
ensuring food and nutrition security and reducing malnutrition levels among its
citizens. To do so, India has at hand several strong policy initiatives, schemes and
programmes including the world’s largest food safety nets under the umbrella of
the National Food Security Act, 2013.
Within the food-based safety nets, the Integrated Child Development Services
(ICDS) scheme seamlessly juxtaposes the ‘first 1000 days’ window of opportunity
whilst aiming to address malnutrition among young children and pregnant/
lactating women through a host of services including provision of take-home
rations (THR), nutrition health education, etc. Quality assured, safe and nutritious
take-home rations delivered to the ICDS participants with appropriate messages
on nutrition have the potential to prevent malnutrition in the communities.
I am extremely pleased with the joint efforts of NITI Aayog and WFP in developing
this document with the objective of sharing with States/UTs a set of innovative
and good practices across the THR production and distribution value chain. We
hope this rich compilation of innovative practices across India around THR in the
ICDS scheme will be valuable to further improve nutrition among children and
mothers.
This resource comes at an opportune moment as there is a growing momentum
around THR with the National Nutrition Mission and Poshan 2.0 placing a renewed
focus on and seeking inspiration from examples and models to strengthen their
THR systems. x
In 2019, the United Nations World Food Programme in India conducted a mapping
of THR across India and is currently supporting the State Governments of Uttar
Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Odisha on improving the composition and establishing
decentralized production of fortified nutritious THR. This study builds on this
body of work and ongoing partnerships on the ground.
I am confident the publication will be of great value for the policymakers,
practitioners, and civil society organisations.
Bishow Parajuli
UNWFP Representative and Country Director for India xi Acknowledgement
Acknowledgement
We are grateful to the Ministry of Women and Child Development for enriching
the document by providing comments. We thank Women and Child Development
departments of various States/UTs for sharing their good practices.
The document benefited greatly from the comments and feedback of Dr. Neena
Bhatia, Senior Specialist, NITI Aayog. We are grateful to the following organization
and individuals who provided valuable feedback during the review phase:
Dr. Abner E Daniel (Nutrition Specialist, UNICEF India Country Office), Siddharth
Waghulkar (WFP), Manisha Kaushik (WFP), Reema Chugh (WFP), Tashi Choedon
(Institute of Economic Growth). We are also thankful to Indrani Das Gupta and
Vaishnavi Iyer, Young Professional (NITI Aayog) for their meticulous editing of
the document. xiii Acronyms
Acronyms
AWCAnganwadi Centre
AWHAnganwadi Helper
AWWAnganwadi Worker
CDPO Child Development Project Officer
CFMS Comprehensive Financial Management System
DSWO District Social Welfare Officer
EDNF Energy Dense Nutritious Food
FCRFirst Contact Resolution
FCSCM Food Commodities Supply Chain Management System
FSSAI Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
GCMMF Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation
GoIGovernment of India
HCMHot-Cooked Meal
ICDS Integrated Child Development Services
IECInformation Education Communication
IVRInteractive Voice Response
JCJaanch Committees
MAMModerate Acute Malnutrition
MCMothers’ Committee
MISManagement Information System xiv
MSPC Mahila Supplementary Food Production Centers
NABL
National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration
Laboratories
NECC National Egg Coordination Committee
NGONon-Profit Organisation
NNMNational Nutrition Mission
NPOs Non Profit Organizations
PDSPublic Distribution System
PLWPregnant and Lactating Women
QAQuality Assurance
QCQuality Control
RDARecommended Dietary Allowance
RTCReady to Cook
RTEReady to Eat
SAMSevere Acute Malnutrition
SBCC Social and Behavior Change Communication
SHGSelf-Help Group
SNPSupplementary Nutrition Programme
SOPStandard Operating Procedure
SUWSevere Underweight
THRTake-Home Ration
UTUnion Territory
WCDWomen & Child Development
WDCW Women Development & Child Welfare
WSHG Women’s Self Help Group xv Contents
Contents
Foreword, Vice Chairman iii
Message, Member (Health) v
Message, CEO, NITI Aayog vii
Preface ix
Acknowledgement xi
Acronyms xiii
Executive Summary xvii
1. Background and Methodology...................................................................................1
2. Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs............................................................5
2.1 Procurement 6
2.1.1 Procurement through e-tendering 7
2.1.2 Procurement based on quality parameters 7
2.1.3 Procurement through non-profit organisation 8
2.2 Production Model 9
2.2.1 Decentralized production model involving Self Help Group 10
2.3 Supply Chain Management 13
2.3.1 Mo-Chhatua Website, Management Information System (MIS) 14
2.3.2 PuShTI – Poshan Umbrella for Supply Chain through Tech-Innovation 15
2.3.3 YSR Sampurna Poshana application 16
2.3.4 Strengthening Food Commodities Supply Chain Management (FCSCM) 17
2.3.5 Engaging Sakhi Mandals SHG 18 xvi
2.4 Product Formulation 19
2.4.1 THR for normal beneficiaries 20
2.4.2 THR for moderate and severe acute malnourished beneficiaries 26
2.5 Quality Assurance and Quality Control 31
2.5.1 Quality control 32
2.5.2 Quality enforcement 34
2.6 Packaging and Labelling 36
2.6.1 Packaging of THR products 37
2.6.2 Labelling on packets 38
2.7 Monitoring 39
2.7.1 Real time monitoring 40
2.7.2 Community participation in monitoring 41
2.8 Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) 43
2.8.1 Use of color-coded flyers for improved complementary feeding practices 44
2.8.2 Community based events 44
2.8.3 Training of AWW and SHGs on nutrition 45
2.8.4 IEC material focusing changing behavior pattern 45
2.8.5 Awareness about nutritional content of traditional and local food 45
2.8.6 Message through digital platform 46
3. Way Forward...............................................................................................................49
4. Annexures....................................................................................................................53
Annexure I: Take-Home Ration in various States/UTs 54
Annexure II:
(i) State/UTs-wise list of Directors ICDS and Nodal Officers, Poshan Gyan Portal 61
(ii) List of Resource Persons for various good practices adopted by States/UTs 65 xvii Executive Summary
To ensure basic nutrition, health, better work potential, and productivity, the
Government of India has launched several measures. One such scheme is the
Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). The Supplementary Nutrition
Programme (SNP) under ICDS aims to fill the gap in nutrition amongst children
under six years of age as well as pregnant and lactating women. SNP is delivered
through two modalities – Hot-Cooked Meal at Anganwadi Centers and Take-Home
Ration (THR). THR may be delivered in the form of raw ingredients or pre-cooked
packets.
An analysis of THR models in various States and Union Territories (UTs) is
extremely important to improve and formalize the good practices and to
accelerate improvement in the THR value chain. The gaps and deficiencies in
various models need to be identified to find better solutions and bring efficacy.
This document is an effort to collate and present the various improvisations
adopted in the implementation of the THR value chain, from formulations to
last-mile delivery, by the States and UTs.
Procurement: This section highlights various good practices related to procurement
adopted by various States and UTs. For instance, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Telangana,
Chandigarh, and Mizoram are procuring THR products through e-tendering for
maintaining fair play and transparency.
Production model: Decentralized production model increases efficiency for last-
mile delivery of THR to beneficiaries, besides boosting local economies and
generating livelihoods. In Kerala, Amrutham-Nutrimix THR is produced by WSHGs
through a decentralized approach. In Odisha, WSHGs are responsible for each
of the processes from procurement to the production of the products within
Executive Summary xviii
defined time limits. In Karnataka, THR is produced by Mahila Supplementary Food
Production Centers (MSPCs) led by Women Self-help groups.
Product formulation: The THR product must be healthful and enriched with enough
ingredients to meet the nutritional requirements of the intended beneficiaries.
In Madhya Pradesh, fortified Khichdi premix is made with smaller particles for
greater palatability and lower rancidity-causing raw components for increased
acceptability. In Kerala, THR is supplemented with 11 micronutrients (vitamins,
and minerals). The YSR Sampoorna Poshana scheme in Andhra Pradesh provides
milk and eggs. Beneficiaries in Haryana receive fortified sweetened flavored milk.
The goal is to ensure that the target population accepts and consumes the
product. Because of India’s variety, the product must be customized to cater to
local circumstances. The Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh,
Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana,
and Uttarakhand are providing varied THR menu options to boost acceptability
and provide additional choices among recipients. Increased THR quantity, ready-
to-eat snacks, enriched THR with extra protein, fat, and eggs, and ready-to-eat
therapeutic meals are used for MAM/SAM children.
Quality assurance and quality control: Gujarat has implemented inspections
throughout the production process at the Amul THR factory to improve the
quality of THR. Once the product enters the Anganwadi centres, third-party
laboratories gather random samples. Telangana has a quality control department
that inspects the food. In Odisha, payments to WSHGs are withheld in the event
of non-compliance with quality requirements, while in Rajasthan, the contract
with the SHG is annulled. THR samples are delivered to the regional food testing
laboratory of the Mizoram Food and Nutrition Board for analysis, confirming that
the THR product meets national standards.
Packaging and labelling: The THR packaging provides a good opportunity to
share all information related to the THR product. In Odisha, color-coded packets
are distributed, capturing key messages on the importance of breastfeeding. In
Jharkhand, the THR is distributed in daily serve size packets. THR packets in
Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh include instructions on product
preparation.
Monitoring: To ensure effectiveness of the programme, it is critical to monitor
its execution. Jharkhand has adopted a real-time monitoring approach using call
centres. In Odisha, community-level monitoring is institutionalized through the
formation of Mothers Committees (MC) at each Anganwadi Centre and Jaanch
Committees (JC) at each revenue village. Telangana Foods has a Nutrition Council xix Executive Summary
that meets twice a year. It also has an executive committee, which convenes
every quarter, oversees regular THR production operations. In Himachal Pradesh,
an Anganwadi-level Monitoring and Support Committee is formed comprising of
members of Pachayati Raj Institution, SHGs, local teachers, and health workers
for the purpose of monitoring.
Supply chain management: Supply chain management is an important component
of the THR value chain. Odisha has adopted the Mo-Chhatua software application
and management information system to streamline supply chain management.
Similarly, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Telangana have opted for technological
solutions.
Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC): For any initiative to have
an impact, information, education and communication (IEC) play a pivotal role.
Several state governments have designed IEC material showcasing the importance
of THR. It includes flyers, flip-books, folk media campaigns, and digital platforms
of IVR, and whats app chatbot.
The good practices collated in this booklet will help the States and UTs to learn
about and adopt innovations in the Supplementary Nutrition Programme. The
improvement of the THR value chain will aid in increasing efficiency and ensuring
THR delivery to the beneficiaries. BACKGROUND AND
METHODOLOGY1 2
BACKGROUND AND METHODOLOGY
The National Nutrition Mission (NNM), popularly known as POSHAN Abhiyaan
(Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment), has recently
placed a renewed focus on the supplementary nutrition provided under the
Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme. The Supplementary
Nutrition Programme (SNP) under ICDS was conceptualized in order to fill the
gap in nutrition among children under the age of six years as well as pregnant
and lactating women (PLW). SNP is delivered to more than 9 crore beneficiaries
registered at Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) through two modalities – Hot-Cooked
Meal (HCM) and Take Home Ration (THR). The THR programme aims to provide
supplementary food products to children aged 6 to 36 months, and to pregnant
and lactating women, for use in their homes. The THR programme takes up
a major share of the ICDS budget with the Central and State Governments
spending more than ₹ 13,500 crore (about $2 billion) annually on it.
1
Given the
programme’s broad reach across most communities in the country, and since
it targets beneficiaries within the crucial first 1000-day window of opportunity,
it is important that policymakers strive to improve nutrition for the millions of
beneficiaries who consume THR
The THR provided through the ICDS is more important than ever before – the
COVID-19 pandemic disrupted food systems across the country, reducing individual
dietary diversity and impacting household food security. THR represents an
opportunity to deliver fortified, nutritious, non-perishable food that goes beyond
simply providing calories. By strengthening THR programme, the growth and
development of children and pregnant and lactating women can be supported.
The national momentum around POSHAN Abhiyaan provides a great opportunity
for State/UTs to re-imagine and strengthen their THR systems. However, for this
to happen, it is important to guide the State/UTs towards good practices and
innovations on various aspects of the THR system.
THR VALUE CHAIN
ProcurementMonitoring
Production
Model
Product
formulation
Packaging and
labeling
Quality control/
Quality
AssuranceSBCC
Supply Chain
Management
Figure 1. THR Value Chain
1 Union Expenditure budget, Ministry of Women and Child Development FY 2015-16 to FY 2020-21. Available
online at: https://www.indiabudget.gov.in.Last accessed on 23 November 2020. 3 Background and Methodology
With this effect, NITI Aayog and the UN World Food Programme are continuing
their collaboration around THR by focusing on the review and documentation of
innovative and good practices across the value chain starting from procurement
of raw materials to distribution and consumption (Figure 1).
METHODOLOGY
The following approach was adopted for documentation of good practices:
1. Established criteria for documentation of good practices.
2. Conducted a literature review of documents and case studies available
in the public domain.
3. Contacted all States and UTs to learn of their THR practices.
4. Mapped the results according to the components of the value chain.
For each component of value chain, criteria for documentation of good practice
were identified and defined by NITI Aayog and WFP, as presented in Table 1.
Table 1. Components of the THR value chain and criteria for documenting
good practices
S. No. Value chain componentCriteria
1 Procurement
Transparency
Government contracting
2 Production model
Decentralized model
THR quality
Community involvement
Sustainability
Timely delivery
Women empowerment
3 Supply Chain Management
Mobile application and web portal
Tech-Innovation- delivery management system
App based tracking supply of commodities
4 Product formulation
Aligned to national and global guidelines on
energy density, fat, protein
Fortification
Dietary diversity
Formulations for Severely Acute Malnourished 4
5
Quality assurance/
Quality control
Quality checks
Random and independent testing
Frequency of checks
Corrective actions
6 Packaging and Labelling
Innovative packaging
Informative labelling conveying messages on
nutrition
7 Monitoring
Real time monitoring
Use of technology
Regularity and frequency of reviews
Transparency
Community involvement
8
Social and Behaviour Change
Communication (SBCC)
Link with THR product and nutrition of children
While identifying good and innovative practices, it was prudent to focus on those
which are implemented at scale and have demonstrated sustainability over a
period of time, rather than focus on those which were pilot projects and did not
lend themselves to scale-up. GOOD PRACTICES
ADOPTED BY THE
STATES/UTs2 6
2.1 PROCUREMENT
State governments contract either private or public-sector companies or Women’s
Self-Help Groups (WSHGs) for the procurement of THR to ICDS beneficiaries.
Given the huge amounts of funds used, it is important that the suppliers are
selected based on a transparent and well-defined method. While reviewing the
various ways in which the state governments are contracting different suppliers,
good and innovative practices are identified.
GoI Guidelines
2,3
As per Operational Guidelines of 2013, fair and average quality of rice and wheat
should be lifted from the FCI godown. The officer lifting should ensure that
the grains are of good quality and if there is any doubt, the higher authorities
should be informed immediately. Other ingredients which may be required, such
as bengal gram, sugar, jaggery, groundnut, etc., should be purchased from the
local market and should be of good quality, have ISI mark, etc.
The responsibility of the SHG/producer selected for the processing and supply
of THR is to procure quality ingredients as per the specification by the State
Government or as laid under the regulations. A procurement plan should be
prepared to have an undisturbed supply of THR to the AWCs, which should
be based on the indent from the AWCs. It must also be ensured that:
No raw material or ingredient thereof should be accepted by an
establishment if it is known to contain parasites, undesirable micro-
organisms, pesticides, veterinary drugs or toxic items, decomposed or
extraneous substances, which would not be reduced to an acceptable
level by normal sorting and/or processing.
In addition, the raw materials, food additives, and ingredients, wherever
applicable, should conform to the regulations laid down under the
FSSAI Act 2006 and Regulations 2011.
Records of raw materials and ingredients as well as their source of
procurement should be maintained in a register for inspection.
Under the ‘Procedure for Procurement’, stipulated under the said Guidelines,
the State/UT must introduce transparent processes for procurement as per
General Financial Rules 2017 and vigilance guidelines and ensure that Take-
Home-Ration (not raw ration) procured conforms to technical and nutritional
standards set by MoWCD.
3
2 Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India.Operational Guidelines for Food Safety and
Hygiene in ICDS.F. No. 5(25)/2010/ND-Tech Pt. dated 24
th
December 2013.https://wcd.nic.in/sites/default/files/
merged_document_3
3 Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. Streamlining Guidelines on Quality Assurance,
Roles and Responsibilities of Duty Holders, procedure for procurement, integrating AYUSH concepts and Data
Management and Monitoring through ‘Poshan Tracker’ for transparency, efficiency and accountability in delivery
of Supplementary Nutrition. 573479/2021/PM. No...CD –I-24/2/2021-US (e- 90701) .Dated 13th January, 2021. 7 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
2.1.1 Procurement through e-tendering (Delhi, Tamil Nadu)
In comparison to the old paper based method, electronic tendering (e-tendering)
is a process for sending and receiving tenders by electronic means. It automates
the complete procurement process right from tender preparation to purchase
order, invoicing and electronic payment. E-tendering streamlines the procurement
process and brings in complete transparency. Some of the States and union
territories that are using e-tendering for procurement are given below:
a. In Delhi, the Department of Women & Child Development uses an
e-tendering website (https://govtprocurement.delhi.gov.in/nicgep/
app) for empanelment of SHGs, Mahila Mandals, Village Communities,
Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), voluntary organizations, and
manufacturers to supply ready-to-eat THR for use in the State.
b. In accordance with rules laid out under Tamil Nadu Transparency in
Tenders Act 1998 and Tamil Nadu Transparency in Tenders Rules 2000
the state of Tamil Nadu provides eggs to the children in the age group of
1 to 6 years, pregnant and lactating mothers as Take Home Ration under
the supplementary nutrition programme of ICDS. The state invites open
tenders at all India level which is done in e-tendering mode (http://www.
tenderrs.tn.gov.in/website).
2.1.2 Procurement based on quality parameters (Telangana)
Quality is an important factor during procurement. The procurement process
presents an opportunity to assure that quality requirements are met or exceeded.
Ensuring an effective quality during procurement reduces the risks of sourcing
substandard and subsequent deterioration, thereby potentially reducing the
incidence of product complaints and recalls, financial losses, and most important,
the risk. Since procurement is essentially all-about sourcing, vendors, and suppliers,
having a pool of higher-quality vendors provides a major competitive advantage.
Through the e-tendering software, this pool of vendors still has to compete for
bids.
Women Development & Child Welfare (WDCW) Department, Telangana follows a
transparent online e-tendering system at tender.telangana.gov.in, for procurement
of commodities like milk, red gram, egg, and oil and Balamrutham from the
State-owned Telangana Oil Federation and Telangana Foods, respectively. Rice
is procured through the State Civil Supplies Corporation through the e-PoS
(electronic Point of Sale) system of Fair Price Shops located at all villages.
(https://tfoods.telangana.gov.in/AboutProductionWing.aspx). 8
a. Milk: Milk is procured under the State’s flagship Arogya Laxmi programme,
wherein 200 ml of milk is provided to pregnant women and lactating
mothers for 30 days in a month. The milk is procured through the online
e-tendering platform (tender.telangana.gov.in) of the Government of
Telangana, specifying quality and nutritional parameters for milk. One
unique approach adopted by the WDCW Department is that only co-
operative dairy federations are allowed to participate in the tender, which
ensures that the farmer communities are directly benefitted.
b. Eggs: WDCW Department, Telangana adopts a decentralized and
transparent approach for procurement of eggs under ICDS wherein tenders
are called for procurement of eggs through an e-tendering system by each
district. A District-level Purchase Committee (DPC) is formed under the
chairmanship of the Joint/Additional Collector and District Welfare Officer
(ICDS). The DPC of each district floats the tender for egg procurement.
Tenders are valid for a period of one year, after which fresh tenders are
called for. Only poultry farmers having poultry units in the respective
districts, as certified by the Animal Husbandry Department, Telangana,
and registered under NECC (National Egg Coordination Committee) are
eligible to participate in these tenders of those districts. Traders and egg
aggregators are not eligible to participate in these tenders. This not only
enables ICDS to procure fresh farm eggs that can be made readily available,
but also benefits the local poultry farmers allowing them to scale up their
production to meet the ICDS’ demand for eggs within their district. This
practice was initiated in 2015, and is being followed since then.
c. Red Gram: Telangana follows transparent process in procurement of
pulses like Red gram through a transparent e-tendering/e-procurement
platform of Govt. of Telangana tender.telangana.gov.in, in accordance
to the guidelines established by the Women Development & Child
Welfare Department, Telangana. An electronic tender is called specifying
the guidelines on quality and other specifications. Superior quality of
indigenous red gram variety SPLIT FOTKA SORTEX is procured through
the tendering process in 1 kg laminated pouch packaging. These packages
are disbursed to all Anganwadi centers as per their monthly requirements.
2.1.3 Procurement through Non-Profit Organisation (Chandigarh)
In UT of Chandigarh, 450 AWCs are functional. Four non-profit organizations
have been engaged through e-tenders to provide THR to the beneficiaries of
350 Anganwadi centers. Prison department (model jail Chandigarh) is providing
THR to the beneficiaries of the remaining 100 Anganwadi centers. 9 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
2.2 PRODUCTION MODEL
States/UTs across the country follow different models for the production of THR
for ICDS. In the centralized production modality, one or more production facilities
are contracted by the state to procure raw ingredients, produce, and distribute
THR for the entire State/UT. The contracted production facility may be a state-
run entity or a private one. In the decentralized production modality, the THR
production facilities are run by local agencies like the Women WSHGs.
4
When
reviewing the various ways in which the state governments are contracting these
different suppliers for blended THR production, a decentralized production model
involving SHGs stood out as having good practices.
GoI Guidelines
5
The Supplementary Nutrition (under the Integrated Child Development
Services Scheme) Rules, 2017:
Rule 9 of the SNP Rules, 2017 provides for engagement of Self-Help Groups
(SHGs), and ensures supply and quality of Supplementary Nutrition through
them.
6
Hon’ble Supreme Court Order dated 07.10.2004 and 26.02.2019
4
The Supreme Court of India vide order dated 07.10.2004 directed that
contractor shall not be used for supply of nutrition in AWCs, and preferably
ICDS funds shall be utilized by making use of village communities, SHGs, and
Mahila Mandals for buying of grains and preparation of meals. Further vide
order dated 26.02.2019, the Hon’ble Supreme Court directed that THR supply
should be decentralized as much as possible, as it is not for the big players/
industrialists in the field to cater to the needs of the Scheme.
4 Hon’ble Supreme Court of India judgement of 2004 related to decentralization of THR production.WP
No.196/2001-PUCL Vs. &Ors.
5 The Supplementary Nutrition (under the Integrated Child Development Services Scheme) Rules, 2017 Published
vide Notifications No. G.S.R. 149(E), dated 20
th
February 2017.Supreme Court of India. Writ Petition (Civil)
No196/2001.Supreme Court of India.Civil Appeal No (S).2336 of 2019.
6 The Supplementary Nutrition (under the Integrated Child Development Services Scheme) Rules, 2017 Published
vide Notifications No. G.S.R. 149(E), dated 20
th
February, 2017. 10
2.2.1 Decentralized production model involving WSHGs
The decentralized production model promotes income generating activities,
empowers poor women by enabling them to become active earners, improves
THR access in rural areas and enhances community ownership of THR production.
The following decentralized models have delivered good results.
i. Local production of THR by WSHGs of Kudumbshree mission in Kerala
ii. THR Production through WSHGs with fixed time periods for each of the
processes in Odisha
iii. THR production by Mahila Supplementary Food Production Centers
(MSPCs) led by Women Self-help groups in Karnataka
(i) Local production of THR by Women SHGs of Kudumbashree Mission
(Kerala)
In Kerala, the local Nutrimix powder THR has been produced by WSHGs since
2007. Each WSHG involved in the production of THR is equipped with machinery
to do so. These WSHGs are part of the Kudumbashree Mission (KDM), which has
been a running viable women entrepreneurship project since 1999. THR production
through this decentralized model works well in Kerala because of supporting
local government along with a focus on financial viability for the WSHGs – a key
element contributing to the WSHG motivation and involvement.
7
Figure 2: Local Production of THR by Women SHG in Kerala
7 Guideline for Decentralized Production and Distribution of Supplementary Nutrition by Community-based
Enterprises in Kerala https://www.kudumbashree.org/storage/cmspages/downloads/1345721991_The%20
Amrutham%20Nutrimix%20Consortium.pdf 11 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
Governance of THR Production Ecosystem
Favourable governance elements include:
Well-established systems and processes for every aspect of production.
District-level consortia for procurement of raw materials: Excellent
coordination at the ground-level exists between the Department of
Women and Child Development, Kudumbashree Mission production units,
and the Department of Local Self-Government.
Focus on constant enhancement and capacity building of the WSHGs
through regular training programmes to improve skills of the women
participants.
Financing and sustainability
Seamless and timely reimbursement to the WSHGs for the THR produced.
Model is sustainable and profitable, with each participating woman earning
reportedly around ₹600 /day.
(ii) THR production through Women SHGs with fixed time periods for
each of the processes (Odisha)
The WSHGs participating in the production of THR are selected at the district
level based on objective criterion prescribed in the guidelines with support from
other relevant government stakeholders.
8
On an average, every block in Odisha
has more than two THR units managed by WSHGs. The WSHGs are responsible
for local procurement of raw materials while wheat used in THR is procured from
the FCI godowns. All WSGs have the necessary equipment for the production
of THR, required FSSAI food license, etc. There are fixed timelines for the entire
THR process from indent to distribution, which therefore makes monitoring easy.
The indent for production of THR is received by the 10
th
of every month by the
WSHGs, which is then followed by procurement of all raw materials while several
processes with regard to production are completed between the 17
th
and 29
th
of
the month.
(iii) THR production by Mahila Supplementary Food Production Centers
(MSPCs) led by Women Self-help groups (Karnataka)
Mahila Supplementary Food Production Centers (MSPC) registered under
Society Act are supplying food commodities to AWCs of the state under the
8 Revised Guidelines for implementation of Take Home Ration, 2018 - Supplementary Nutrition Programme of
ICDS and Scheme for Adolescent Girls http://wcdodisha.gov.in/Application//uploadDocuments/content/Guide_
Lines_for_THR_and_HCM.pdf 12
Supplementary Nutrition Programme of ICDS. Each MSPCs consists of women
members ranging from 22-25 from the most vulnerable sections of the society.
At present, 137 MSPCs have been established in the State as per the directive of
Hon’ble Supreme Court at the project level and these MSPCs are responsible for
production and distribution of Nutri mix (Pusti) and raw ration to the Anganawadi
Centres through the CDPOs. The MSPCs procure the raw materials (apart from
rice, wheat and oil which is procured through FCI and Karnataka Cooperative
Oilseed Growers Federation Limited-KOF) locally, to prepare the food SNP and
supply these to the Anganawadi Centers as per the indent of the CDPOs. Through
MSPC ware house, the commodities are sent to Anganwadi center. Rice and wheat
are procured from FCI, oil from KOF, and milk from Karnataka Milk Federation.
MSPCs purchase other commodities like, bengal gram, green gram, soya, ragi,
jawar, sugar, jaggery, salt, groundnuts, cardamom, masai powder, wheat rava, etc.
depending on the district menu. MSPCs prepare Nutri mix powder (Pusti), which
is given to children below the age group of 3 yrs. Every district has its own menu
which is decided by the Deputy Commissioner of the districts in consultation with
nutritionists and officers from DWCD and Health Department keeping in mind to
meet the calories and protein value as per the guidelines of GOI. 13 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
2.3 SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
Supply chain management is an important and complex process within the ICDS
scheme. By utilizing technological advancements in supply chain management,
it can be ensured that there are open lines of communication and data analysis
throughout the chain, which increases transparency and efficiency in the scheme.
GoI Guidelines
9
Supply chain process in the States must be made transparent for functionaries
to ensure uninterrupted supply to the last mile, which are compliant with FSSAI
registration-licensing process for entities involved in manufacture, storage and
distribution of food to ensure food safety and hygiene.
(a) At District Level:
The District Magistrate shall be the Nodal Point in the district for monitoring
nutrition at status and quality standards. The DM/Collector shall chair, supervise
and monitor the activities of the District Nutrition Committee. Nutrition Experts
suggested in District Committee have to be mandatorily certified nutrition
experts. The Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) who is responsible for
administration and implementation of nutrition and ICDS projects, shall carry
out major responsibilities as follows under the supervision of the DM/Collector:
coordinate and evaluate deliveries in the district as a Key Performance
indicator of the DM/Collector for nutritional improvement of beneficiaries,
specially SAM/MAM children;
undertake overall administration and coordination of the nutrition
project and ensure smooth and effective delivery of all intended
services in the project jurisdiction;
conduct periodic monitoring including surprise spot-checks, draw
samples for quality testing of supplementary nutrition (THR and HCM)
provided, ensure adequate measures for food safety and hygiene
are followed throughout the supply chain, assess the quality of pre-
school delivery etc., to ensure quality and undertake necessary course
correction;
monitor distribution of necessary stocks for delivery of key services;
9 Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. Streamlining Guidelines on Quality Assurance,
Roles and Responsibilities of Duty Holders, procedure for procurement, integrating AYUSH concepts and Data
Management and Monitoring through ‘Poshan Tracker’ for transparency, efficiency and accountability in delivery
of Supplementary Nutrition. 573479/2021/PM. No...CD –I-24/2/2021-US (e- 90701) .Dated 13th January, 2021. 14
participate in the VHSND meetings, community-based events, Jon
Andolan activities etc. to motivate field functionaries and beneficiaries;
facilitate preparation of Block Convergence Action Plan and its
implementation;
conduct Joint Field Visits with Medical Officer (MD) and Joint Review
Meetings on monthly basis, especially with regards to SAM children;
ensure collation of monthly progress reports for the District and share
with the State;
when visiting AWCs, CDPO must conduct home-visits for pregnant
women, new-born and infants crossing 6-months and undertake
age-appropriate nutrition counselling, to train and demonstrate the
importance of home visits and counselling to AWWs and motivate
them to undertake regular home visits.
(b) At State Level:
Nutrition requires convergence of various services that contribute to improved
nutritional status. This requires strong and effective multi-department convergent
efforts and actions to address malnutrition. Therefore, Chief Secretary of the
States/UTs should coordinate the activities of various departments through
a State Level Steering Committee to ensure effective convergence between
various schemes/programs having bearing on nutrition and review the progress
made regarding Nutritional indicators on regular basis.
Secretaries of different departments may assess how their schemes/programs
can positively impact nutrition levels and also how POSHAN Abhiyaan can be
supported to build awareness and create Jan Andolon around nutrition.
(c) ln Village:
Involvement of AWC Level Management Committees, village communities,
Mothers Groups, and Panchayati Raj institutions (Poshan Panchayats) will bring
community ownership and encourage accountability.
2.3.1 Mo-Chhatua Management Information System (MIS
(Odisha)
In Odisha, SHGs are producing THR at their respective plants for respective ICDS
projects under a decentralized production model. The complete cycle consists
of different steps, starting from indenting to the procurement of raw materials, 15 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
manufacturing, packaging, supply, and payment. In 2019, Mo-chhatua (an end-to-
end supply chain management system) was inaugurated using mobile application
and web portal. This is helping the department in tracking the status at different
stages starting from indenting and manufacturing to supply and payment updates.
The Mo-chhatua software and mobile app are made for SHG members (app), ICDS
supervisors (app), CDPO, DSWO, district collector, and State officials (web). This
system works on a near real-time method and enables each level to take proper
and timely steps towards the supply of THR to AWC beneficiaries. This also helps
to monitor the fixed-day approach of THR production and delivery system by
respective CDPOs and other department officials. A comprehensive dashboard
on THR manufacturing and distribution process helps the decision-maker at each
level to take corrective measures and suggest interventions.
2.3.2 PuShTI– Poshan Umbrella for Supply Chain through
Tech-Innovation (Gujarat)
The Government of Gujarat has developed a platform called PuSHTI– a Delivery
Management System for THR with the objectives of increasing responsibility
(leveraging the Digital India platform), transparency (for good governance), and
sensitivity and efficiency (in processes) of their THR programme.
Key features of software include:
1. Transparency in demand and supply for THR across AWCs
2. OTP-based / photo upload-based verification of THR received at the AWC
3. Seamless payment processes
4. Timely and regular supply, with doorstep delivery of THR to the beneficiary
The basic process flow for data entry, information, and delivery of THR to the
AWC is summarized below:
By the 3
rd
of every month, submission of THR demand by the AWW
By the 5
th
of every month, verification and approval of the demand by
the CDPO
By the 12
th
of every month, verification by the Programme Officer (PO)
in the online portal
By the 15
th
day of the month, verification and finalization of work order
to Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. (GCMMF)
By 17
th
day of the next month, GCMMF supplies THR to all AWWs 16
On 4
th
of the forthcoming month (Annavitaran Diwas) of each month,
THR is distributed to beneficiaries.
Release of payment to GCMMF based on confirmation receipt from AWW
2.3.3 YSR Sampurna Poshana application (Andhra Pradesh)
The Department of Women Development & Child Welfare (WDCW), Government
of Andhra Pradesh has developed smartphone-based software named ‘YSR
Sampoorna Poshana’. The software enables to track receipt of multiple aspects of
THR – provided under YSRSP scheme as well as Balamrutham, thereby preventing
leakages during delivery of THR. The data entry, processing, and validation are
done as follows:
1. Data entry by AWWs for number of beneficiaries registered in the AWC,
across different categories; updating of information is done every month
2. Development of estimates for quantity of THR, to be procured each month
based on the available information on number of beneficiaries, followed
by the development of budgetary estimates (cross-validation with data
received from e-Sadhana software (https://wdcw.ap.gov.in/Esadhana.html)
on the estimated current stock available with a beneficiary.)
3. Receipt of requirement by impaneled producers and suppliers registered
with the Government of Andhra Pradesh (e.g. milk supplier, egg supplier,
Balamrutham etc.)
4. Direct delivery of the required quantity of raw materials by each individual
supplier to the AWC
5. Confirmation of receipt of the required quantity of raw material stocks by
the AWW via data entry in the app (biometric authentication is expected
to be updated soon)
6. Verification of the quantity of THR received at the AWC by the Lady
Supervisor, followed by cross-validation by CDPO/PO
7. Payment release for district-based raw material suppliers (eggs) released
by District Collector/Magistrate, upon receipt of confirmation of delivery
8. For State-empanelled suppliers of THR (Balamrutham, milk, etc.), payment
release is enabled by State-Level Officer via the Comprehensive Financial
Management System (CFMS) mechanism, upon receipt of confirmation
from District Programme Officer. 17 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
2.3.4 Strengthening Food Commodities Supply Chain
Management (FCSCM) – Online First Contact Resolution
and Mobile Application (Telangana)
An online web application called Online First Contact Resolution (FCR) has been
developed for tracking the supply of commodities and is in use since 2017. This
mobile app with biometric authentication which is AADHAAR linked was introduced
to curb diversions and irregularities in commodity supply. Different commodities
supplied by WD&CW dept. like eggs, milk, red gram, Balamrutham, murukulu
(snack food), and oil are being supplied to AWCs through Telangana State –
Commodities Supply Chain Management System (TS CSMS) App. Through this
software application, above commodities are supplied to the doorstep of AWCs
through a biometric device that is AADHAR-linked. Likewise, Rice is supplied
to Anganwadi centres through an electronic indenting and supply management
system e-PoS, in coordination with the Civil Supplies Dept. of Govt. of Telangana.
The application allows automated indent calculation for all AWCs based on
requirements and availability of balances at AWCs. With an automated indent
management system, indents for all commodities are placed centrally at the
Directorate level by the 5
th
of every month and indent reports are made available
online to all suppliers. Supplies for a given month are made between the 7
th
and
30
th
of the month by the suppliers. The live delivery status can be tracked by
ICDS functionaries through a web portal. The App also maintains the details of
opening and closing balances at all 35,700 AWCs in the State, which helps in
indenting the correct requirement and also helps in prioritizing AWCs that need
immediate food supply in the distribution route.
The AWW/AWH (Anganwadi helper) is required to provide her thumb impression
to the supplier and obtain the supplies. An online delivery report is generated
after the biometric authentication by the AWW/AWH and payment is made. This
prevents any leakages or malpractices in supply of commodities to the AWCs.
Further, Department of Women and Child Development, Telangana has roped in
the Cargo Unit under the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) for
supply and logistics of THR commodities. Under this programme, the State RTC
transports commodities like oil, Balamrutham, and Murukulu (snack food) directly
to the AWCs. The drivers of TSRTC collect the biometric validation from the
AWW/AWH, thereby completing the delivery of THR commodities and ensuring
an efficient supply chain from production point till the doorstep of the AWC. 18
Figure 3: Biometric authenticated supply of THR
2.3.5 Engaging Sakhi Mandals SHG (Jharkhand)
Engaging sakhi mandals SHG for distribution of THR has witnessed multiple
benefits for the individual and community at large. Currently, approximately
29,342 women from local communities, who are SHG members, and 4,583
village organizations have been engaged and are managing the entire THR
supply chain process in Jharkhand. It is important to mention that the SHG
members have become a role model, as they not only procure raw materials
at well negotiated rates from local vendors, but they also manage logistics and
packaging of THR while ensuring smooth supply of THR packets to AWCs for
further distribution to the beneficiaries. The THR that is supplied to respective
AWCs as per the requirement following the chartered route map are distributed
by the AWWs during the Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Day (VHSND).
10
The SHG members in the community, through informal communication, inform the
beneficiaries about the distribution of THR packets, which in turn has contributed
to increased community participation in the VHSND.
10 The Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Day (VHSND) has been conceptualized as a community-level
strategy connecting the community and health systems and facilitating convergent actions. It attempts to bring
health, early childhood development, nutrition, and sanitation services to the doorstep and promote community
engagement for improved health and wellbeing (https://nhm.gov.in/New_Updates_2018/NHM_Components/
RMNCHA/CH/Guidelines/National_Guidelines_on_VHSND_English_High_Res_Print_ready.pdf ). 19 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
2.4 PRODUCT FORMULATION
The THR products are distributed during key physiological periods of life when
nutritional requirements are high, and if they possess right nutritional composition,
they can play an important role in preventing malnutrition and improving
pregnancy outcomes.
Of the variety in THR product formulation among States/UTs, examples of good
practices have been selected based on the criteria under the ICDS norms for
energy and proteins, globally defined norms for products meant for infants and
young children, and the World Health Organization (WHO) norms on nutrition
for pregnant and lactating women.
GoI Guidelines.
11
National -The National Food Security Act, 2013 and the Supplementary
Nutrition rules, 2017 have in place calorie and protein norms for THR. The
nutritional standards for children in the age groups of 6 months to 3 years,
3 to 6 years (severely underweight), and pregnant women and lactating
mothers are required to be met by providing THR are as follows:
Children aged 6 months to 3 years: Food supplement of 500 calories
of energy and 12–15 grams of protein per child per day
Severely underweight children aged 6–72 months: Food supplement of
800 calories of energy and 20–25 grams of protein per child per day
Pregnant women and lactating mothers: Food supplement of 600
calories of energy and 18–20 grams of proteins per person per day
Further, the guidelines issued in 2009 by the Ministry of Women & Child
Development allowed for fortification of the supplementary nutrition upto 50
percent of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) level per beneficiary
per day
Under this section, good practices on Product formulation have been listed under
two sets of criteria:
2.4.1 THR for normal beneficiaries
2.4.2 THR for moderate & severely acute malnourished beneficiaries
11 Revised Nutritional and Feeding Norms for Supplementary Nutrition in ICDS scheme, Feb, 2009 https://wcd.nic.
in/sites/default/files/univ_icds5.pdf 20
2.4.1 THR for normal beneficiaries
i. Enriched THR prepared through fortification
a. Fortified THR with 50% RDA (Madhya Pradesh)
The Madhya Pradesh is producing THR products that meet most of the national
and global standards.
Khichdi premix is served to children aged 6-36 months. The product is made up
of fortified rice, roasted soya flour, moong dal, spices, and refined vegetable oils
and fortified with Iron, folate, zinc (50% RDA); Vitamins B6, B12, and D (50%
RDA). The product has improved palatability by reducing the size of particles and
increased acceptability by reducing rancidity-causing raw materials.
12
(Table 2, 3)
Table 2. THR product formulation in Madhya Pradesh
THR
product
Ingredients Quantity
Per day
consumption
Frequency of
distribution
Weight of 1
packet
Khichdi
premix
Fortified rice 70.50g
150gm
6 days in a
week
900gm
Soya flour21g
Moong daal37g
Spices 3g
Refined vegetable oil 15ml
Table 3. RDA (%) contribution from Khichdi Premix
THR
product
Energy-
dense
Protein
content
Ingredients
Sugar
content
Fat
content
Fortificants
Khichdi
premix
Yes 14.3%
Fortified
rice + soya + pulses
0% 33%
Iron, folate, zinc
(50% RDA*);
Vitamins B6, B12,
and D (50% RDA)
*RDA: recommended dietary allowance
b. THR prepared by WSHGs fortified with 11 micronutrients, vitamins and
minerals (Kerala)
The several States/UTs, especially those sourcing THR through private or public
enterprises, already provide fortified products, but there are few examples of
fortified THR provision through decentralized production models. Therefore, the
good practice detailed out here refers to the integration of THR fortification by
WSHGs.
12 Source: Review of Take-Home Rations under the Integrated Child Development Services in India, World
Food Programme; 2019 https://www.wfp.org/publications/review-take-home-rations-under-integrated-child-
development-services-india 21 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
In Kerala, a nutritive powder is provided as THR locally known as Amrutham-
Nutrimix. It is a product prepared by WSHGs of Kudumbshree mission across the
State through 248, Nutrimix production units. This product includes 5 ingredients
viz. wheat-45g, sugar-20g, bengal gram-15g, soya chunks-10g, and groundnut
-10g per 100g of nutrimix. 135gm of nutrimix per day is provided to beneficiaries
which provide them 500kcal and 12-15 gm protein. Amrutham Nutrimix is fortified
with 11 micronutrients all over the State at 50% RDA for children aged 6-36
months. A NABL accredited laboratory is also on board to analyze the retention
of micronutrients in fortified Amrutham-Nutrimix.
13
(Table 4)
Table 4. Composition and attributes of Amrutham Nutrimix (Kerala)
THR
Product
IngredientsQuantity Fortification
Per day
consumption
Frequency
of
distribution
Weight
of 1
packet
Amrutham-
Nutrimix
Wheat 45g
11 micronutrients,
namely
Calcium, Iron,
Zinc, Vitamin
A, Thiamine,
Riboflavin,
Niacin, Vitamin
B6, Folic Acid,
Vitamin C, and
Vitamin B12, at
50 percent RDA
135g
Monthly
(7 packets)
500g
Soya
Chunks
10g
Bengal
gram
15g
Ground Nut 10g
Sugar 20g
c. Premix enriched with essential micronutrients (Gujarat)
In Gujarat ready to cook premix is provided to children 6-36 months, pregnant
ladies, lactating mothers, and adolescent girls. Bal Shakti premix for children is
made of wheat flour, soya flour, gram flour, sugar, oil. Matru Shakti pre-mix is for
pregnant ladies and lactating mothers and Purna Shakti pre-mix is for adolescent
girls. Both products are made of wheat flour, soya flour, maize flour, rice flour, gram
flour, sugar, and oil. All premixes are in dry form, energy-dense, and enriched with
essential micronutrients. The premixes are palatable and can even be consumed
with lukewarm water. The products have a shelf-life of 4 months. (Table 5)
13 https://sightandlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/THR-Compendium_A-Cluster-Model-in-Kerala.pdf 22
Table 5. Composition and attributes of Bal Shakti and Purna Shakti (Gujarat)
THR Product IngredientsQuantityFortification
Per day
consumption
Frequency of
distribution
Weight of
1 packet
Bal Shakti
(for Children)
Wheat flour 62g Iron, Vitamin
A, Calcium,
Thiamine,
Riboflavin,
Niacin,
Vitamin C and
Folic Acid at
50% RDA
125 g
Monthly
(7 packets)
500 g
Gram flour 6g
Soya flour 10g
Sugar 36g
Oil 11g
Purna Shakti
(for Adolescent
Girls)
Matru Shakti
(for Pregnant
& Lactating
Mothers)
Wheat 40g Iron, Vitamin
A,
Calcium,
Thiamine,
Riboflavin,
Niacin,
Vitamin C and
Folic Acid at
50% RDA
145 g
Monthly
(4 packets)
1000 g
Besan 4g
Soyabean
Flour
19g
Maize 19g
Rice 15g
Sugar 31g
Oil 17g
Figure 4: THR premixes: Balshakti, Matrushakti, Purnashakti 23 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
ii. Diverse THR products
a. Region Specific diverse Menu
Common feedback received from the ICDS THR beneficiaries is of monotony –that
they have been receiving the same product for years. This affects the acceptability
of the THR resulting in its limited use and diversion for consumption by the family,
other than the target beneficiary. Therefore, several States/UTs, now distribute
a variety of THRs, giving more choices to the beneficiary. A list of States/UTs
producing multiple blended products are outlined in Table 6.
Table 6. Region-specific diverse menu
StateProducts
Himachal Pradesh
Fortified Panjiri, Sweet dalia, Fortified wheat seviyan, Sprouted gram, Rice
rajma, Rice khichari, Namkeen dalia, Fortified wheat oats & Ajwain biscuits
Karnataka
Multi-grain nutri-mix, Milk ragi mix, Rice kheer mix ,Multi-grain payasam,
Groundnut green gram ladoo, Multi-grain ladoo
Madhya Pradesh
Khichdi premix, Halwa premix, Balahar premix, Sookha dalia, Atta besan
ladoo, Wheat soya barfi
Gujarat
Fortified premixes, wheat and pulse-based energy food –Balshakti for
children, Matru shakti for PLW, and Purna shakti for adolescent girls, fortified
milk with THR , fortified groundnut oil , satva (double-fortified salt –iron
and iodine) 1-kg packet / month for PLW and adolescent girls
Odisha
Eggs provided under THR to fulfill energy gaps and to improve quality of
protein, THR for suji halwa, groundnut, jaggery, and sesame chikki for PLW,
atta and besan ladoo/ Ragi and besan ladoo
Haryana
Micronutrient fortified panjiri, Refined fortified soyabean oil, Paushtik panjiri,
Fortified skimmed milk
Details of types of THR, per day consumption, frequency of distribution, number
of packets given, and weight of each packet in various States/UTs is given in
Annexure I.
b. Special Initiative for ‘Inclusion of Millets in THR (Chandigarh, Odisha)
i. Looking at the nutritive value of millets and to promote their use in daily
diet, the Union Territory of Chandigarh has taken an initiative to include
millets –jowar and bajra (as per season) in the THR. Bajra millet was
distributed from 16
th
December 2020 to 15
th
June 2021, and now jowar
millet is being distributed since 16
th
June 2021. The objective is to improve
the nutritional status of beneficiaries by providing them a healthy and
balanced diet and also revives the age-old traditional culture of millet
consumption. This was done by a dedicated supply chain through various
Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) who deliver the THR at various AWCs
in the UT of Chandigarh. 24
ii. Department of Odisha has introduced Ragi Ladoo in Keonjhar and
Sundergarh districts since July, 2020 as morning snacks for the pre-
school children (3-6 yrs) covered under ICDS. As the COVID protocols
are currently in place, pre-cooked ragi laddu mix is provided via home
delivery. The provisions are over and above the existing entitlements
under SNP. Premix for Ragi ladoo is prepared by the SHGs with technical
support from Millets Mission and is supplied to the AWCs for the supply
of Ladoo to the children. The core objective of the programme is to
improve the nutritional status of pre-school children and revive the age-
old traditional culture of millet consumption once prevalent among the
tribal communities of Keonjhar. The initiative has provided an additional
source of income to women’s SHGs, an assured price to farmers for Ragi
and a boost to local production of Ragi and other millets. With this historic
step, Keonjhar became the first district in the state to include millets
under ICDS. This is also a unique model in the country with decentralized
production, procurement, processing, supply and consumption of millets.
Taking into account, the successful implementation of the programme;
it is now proposed to scale up the programme in the District Mineral
Foundation (DMF) districts in the state.
c. Egg and Milk under THR (Andhra Pradesh, Haryana)
i. YSR Sampoorna Poshana Scheme: Under the YSR Sampoorna Poshana
Scheme in Andhra Pradesh, eggs and milk are provided to the beneficiaries.
(Tables 7)
Table 7. Provision of egg and milk for children 6-36 months under
YSR Sampoorna Poshana scheme
CommodityQty. per month
Balamrutham2.5 kg
Eggs25 nos.
Milk2.5 litres
ii. YSR Sampoorna Poshana Plus scheme- The beneficiaries in scheduled
and tribal sub-plan mandals across the state are being covered under
YSR Sampoorna Poshana Plus (+) Scheme. The state is providing egg
and milk to the beneficiaries. (Tables 8) 25 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
Table 8. Provision of egg and milk for children aged 6-36 months under YSR
Sampoorna Poshana Plus (+) scheme for scheduled and tribal sub-plan mandals
CommodityQty
Balamrutham2.5 kg
Eggs30 nos.
Milk6 litres
iii. Haryana is providing skimmed milk under Mukhya Mantri Doodh Uphaar
Yojna from State funds to improve the health and nutritional status of
children and mothers. Under the scheme, 200 ml of fortified skimmed
milk which is fortified with Vitamin D3 in six flavors such as rose, ellaichi,
chocolate, vanilla, butterscotch, and plain is being distributed for six days
a week to pregnant and lactating women and children 1-3 year. Flavored
milk is provided to avoid pilferage. The Fortified Sweetened Flavoured
Milk is being supplied through Haryana Dairy Development Cooperative
Federation (HDDCF) and Vita.
d. Special Initiative: (Ayush THR)
To improve the nutritional status, Gujarat state has taken an initiative of introducing
the value addition of the Ayush component in present THR for pregnant lactating
women and children under age group 6 months to 3 years. The product Balshakti
is value added with trikatu and vidang which control intestinal worms and
indigestion, improve appetite, help in weight gain and increase absorption of
nutrients. The product Matru Shakti is value added with jeera and musta which
improve appetite, help in weight gain, increase absorption of nutrients, prevent
oxidation stress in preeclampsia, reduce abdominal pain and fever. (Table 11)
Table 11. Value addition in THR product
Product Value AdditionBenefits
Bal Shakti + Trikatu & Vidang Control intestinal worms and indigestion
Improve appetite
Weight gain
Increase absorption of nutrients
Matru Shakti + Jeera & Musta Improve appetite
Weight gain
Increase absorption of nutrients
Prevent oxidation stress in preeclampsia
Abdominal pain relief
Reduce fever 26
Figure 5: Ayush THR: Value addition in THR product
2.4.2 THR for Moderate & Severe Acute Malnourished
beneficiaries
The children with Moderate & Severe Acute Malnourishment (MAM &SAM) require
more energy dense food as compared to children with normal nutritional status.
The food given to children with MAM & SAM should be sufficient to meet their
increased requirements of energy, protein and micronutrients. Different food items
under THR provided by different States/UTs for malnourished beneficiaries can
be categorized as:
i. Increased THR quantity for malnourished children
ii. Ready to Eat Snack prepared by SHGs
iii. Enriched THR with extra protein, fat, and eggs
iv. Ready-to-Eat Therapeutic Food for children
i. Increased THR quantity for malnourished children (Chhattisgarh,
Rajasthan, Bihar and Kerala)
In Chhattisgarh, all children aged 6–36 months are given ready-to-eat packets of
Shishu Shakti Ahaar as THR. All children in the normal category receive a 750-
gram packet of THR per week, while children with SAM in the same age group
receive a 1200-gram packet of THR per week. 27 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
In Rajasthan, children with normal nutritional status receive 4500g of THR every
month, while SAM children receive 6500g of THR. In Bihar, children in the Normal
and MAM categories in the age group 6months to 3 years receive rice (2.5kg), dal
(1.25kg), and eggs (8 nos.) or soyabean (500g); children in the SAM category (6
months to 3 years) receive rice (3.75kg), dal (1.75 kg), and eggs (12 nos.) or soya
bean (875g) every month. In Kerala, children (6 months-36 months) with normal
nutritional status receive 7 packets of 500g each nutritive powder monthly, while
severely underweight children receive double the quantity. In Gujarat, daily 125g
of Balshakti is given to normal beneficiaries as THR and for severely underweight
children, the THR quantity is 185g of Balshakti.
Figure 6: THR in Gujarat
ii. Ready to Eat Snack prepared by SHG (West Bengal)
In West Bengal, Ready to Eat (RTE) wheat-pulse mix is given to all identified
severely underweight children 6-59 months, including SAM. A pack of 480g is
given as weekly THR to each severely underweight/ SAM child to consume at
least 80g of the mix every day at home. The RTE mix is being prepared by
trained SHG clusters under the certification of FSSAI. (Table 12). 28
Table 12. Summary of Ready-to-Eat THR product for West Bengal
THR
Ingredients
and
composition
(per pack)
Frequency
of
distribution
Number
of
packets
given
Packet
weight
Consump
tion per
day
Available
composition
of ingredients
(per day)
Available
composition of
ingredients
(per 100 g)
Brand
name
of RTE
product:
‘Pushti’
(Poustik
Powder)
1. Roasted
wheat
flour:
228 g
2. Roasted
and
crushed
Bengal
gram:
108 g
3. Roasted
and
crushed
groundnut:
84 g
4. Sugar/
castor
sugar:
60 g
Weekly 1 480g 80 g 1. Roasted
wheat
flour: 38 g
2. Roasted
and
crushed
Bengal
gram: 18 g
3. Roasted
and
crushed
groundnut:
14 g
4. Sugar/
castor
sugar: 10 g
1. Roasted
wheat
flour:
47.5 g
2. Roasted
and
crushed
Bengal
gram:
22.5 g
3. Roasted
and
crushed
groundnut:
17.5 g
4. Sugar
(castor
sugar):
12.5 g
iii. Enriched THR with extra protein, fat and eggs (Telangana, Odisha)
a. Balamrutham and Balamrutham plus were introduced by the Government
of Telangana to provide improved supplementary nutrition for children
between 6 months to 3 years of age. It is prepared using wheat, chickpeas
(chana dal), milk powder, oil, and sugar. It is fortified to provide 50%
of iron, calcium, vitamins, and other Recommended Dietary Allowances
(RDAs) that children require per day. Technical support was provided
to the Government of Telangana by the National Institute of Nutrition
and UNICEF in revising the composition of Balamrutham to Balamrutham
Plus. Revised THR (Balamrutham plus) contains more skimmed milk
powder and oil, the addition of groundnut and rice flakes, but reduced
amounts of wheat flour to lower the phytate content. Balamrutham Plus,
with enhanced nutrient composition, is also given to children with MAM
and SAM who are enrolled in the Supervised Supplementary Feeding
Programme (Tables 13 and 14). In addition, these children also receive 1
egg and 100 ml of milk for 30 days and mini-meal + 5g extra oil for 25
days to enhance the quality of protein by including protein rich sources
of animal origin. 29 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
Table 13. Composition of Balamrutham and Balamrutham Plus
Ingredients
Amount (per 100g)
Balamrutham Balamrutham Plus
Roasted wheat55g26.7g
Bengal gram5g3.3g
Skimmed milk
powder
10g13.3g
Sugar 20g20g
Oil 10g20g
Groundnut-3.3g
Rice flakes-13.3g
Total 100g100g
Table 14. Nutritive composition of Balamrutham and Balamrutham Plus per
100grams
Nutrients
BalamruthamBalamrutham plus
Available
in natural
ingredients
Fortification Total
Available
in natural
ingredients
FortificationTotal
Energy (kcal) 414 0 414 460 0 460
Protein (g)11 0 11 11 0 11
Calcium (mg) 167 200 367 219 200 419
Iron (mg)3.1 6 9.1 3.1 6.0 9.1
Vitamin A (µg) 2.5 200 202.5 0.1 200 200.1
Vitamin B1 (µg) 0.3 0.3 0.6 0.2 0.3 0.5
Vitamin B2 (mg) 0.2 0.35 0.55 0.3 0.4 0.6
Vitamin C (mg) 0.5 15 15.5 0.7 15.0 15.7
Folic acid (µg) 7.1 15 22.1 21.1 15.0 36.1
Niacin (mg) 2.3 4 6.3 1.5 4.0 5.5
Vitamin B12 (µg) - - - 0.1 0.6 0.7
b. In Odisha, routine THR consisting of chhatua, eggs, and THR for suji halwa
is provided to children with normal nutritional status. Augmented THR
is currently being provided for SAM children (6-59 months) identified in
vulnerable projects in the state. Under the programme, augmented THR
along with 1 egg per day is being provided to children aged 6–59 months
in the SAM category. Augmented THR is prepared using ingredients like
Wheat, Bengal gram, groundnut, sugar with the addition of vegetable
oil and milk powder to make it energy dense. The addition of oil & milk 30
powder to the THR is done in order to enhance its protein quality and
micronutrient content. The extra egg will further supplement protein and
micronutrients for the SAM children (Table 15).
Table 15. Nutritive composition of THR – Chhatua given to children in Normal
category vs Augmented THR – Chhatua given to children with SAM
Ingredients Routine THR Augmented THR
Wheat62.5g30g
Bengal gram 9.4g10g
Groundnut12.5g10g
Sugar15.6g15g
Vegetable oil -15g
Milk powder-20g
Total 100g100g
Nutritive Value
Energy 346.0 kcal 462.0 kcal
Protein11.0 g16.0 g
Fat 5.0 g20.1g
In addition to THR, beneficiaries under the ICDS in Odisha receive eggs in the
following manner mentioned in Table 16.
Table 16. Provision of egg/other products
Beneficiary Provision of egg*
Normal children (6months to 3 years) Three boiled eggs per week
SAM children (6 months to 3years) One egg daily
* Additional quantity of besan and atta/ragi and besan laddoo (60 pieces/month) is
provided to children who do not eat eggs.
Figure 7: Children receiving eggs 31 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
2.5 QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL
The THR is distributed to young children and pregnant and lactating women. It is
therefore imperative to ensure that the products are safe for consumption. Quality
assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) are integral parts of the production
process.
Despite being a critical step in the production process, not much is known about
the measures undertaken by different States/UTs on QA and QC. However, a few
have been identified for good practices based on their quality checks of the THR
product, and corrective action taken.
GoI Guidelines
14
The Ministry of Women and Child Development has issued operational guidance
for foods safety and hygiene in ICDS on 24
th
October 2013. The following needs
to be taken care of, with regards to ICDS foods and THR:
It should be ensured that the ICDS foods should be free from any
contamination and adulterants.
Segregation should be provided for the storage of raw, processed,
rejected, recalled, or returned materials or products.
Containers made of non-toxic materials should be provided for storage
of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished /ready to serve
products. No raw material or ingredient thereof should be accepted by
an establishment if it is known to contain parasites, undesirable micro-
organisms, pesticides, veterinary drugs or toxic items, decomposed or
extraneous substances, which would not be reduced to an acceptable
level by normal sorting and/or processing.
FIFO – ‘First in First Out’ – system should be applied to release the raw
materials (for processing, packaging, and delivery) in order to protect
the food from being stored too long and becoming contaminated or
spoiled.
14 Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. Operational Guidelines for Food Safety and
Hygiene in ICDS.F. No. 5(25)/2010/ND-Tech Pt. dated 24
th
December 2013https://wcd.nic.in/sites/default/files/
merged_document_3 32
Food should be sent for laboratory testing at regular intervals. The
States and UTs may consider engaging CSIR institutes/National
Accredited Board for Laboratories accredited and other recognized
labs for carrying out sample checking of SNP, to ensure quality food
is provided through ICDS.
Periodic inspection (preferably every week) should be undertaken.
Adherence to Quantity Standards and Testing
15
States/UTs shall ensure the quality of Supplementary Nutrition being provided
with reference to the norms of food safety as well as nutrient composition.
Supplementary Nutrition must conform to prescribed standards laid down under
the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and regulations made thereunder
to ensure consistent quality and nutritive value per serving. The periodicity of
sample testing shall be once in a quarter of an annual year, per project. Take-
Home Ration (not raw ration), shall be tested from FSSAI owned/registered/
empaneled/NABL accredited laboratory. Random testing must be conducted
by Anganwadi Services functionaries after receipt of stock at the AWC or at
the Block level. Anganwadi Services functionaries i.e. CDPO or Supervisor shall
draw the samples, as per the prescribed procedure and send the sample for
testing to a FSSAI owned/registered/empaneled/NABl accredited laboratory.
2.5.1 Quality control
Quality control is the process by which products are tested to ensure that they
meet the standards. It encourages quality consciousness, satisfaction of consumers,
reduction in production cost and most effective utilisation of resources. The
following quality control mechanisms are adopted by the States/UTs:
i. Robust testing mechanism
ii. Batch testing from Government Analytical Labs
i. Robust testing mechanism (Gujarat, Telangana, Odisha, Mizoram)
a. In Gujarat Quality checks are carried out from the procurement of raw
materials to every step in the production process at the AMUL THR
facility. Wheat is sampled by respective milk unions’ QA personnel at
15 Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. Streamlining Guidelines on Quality Assurance,
Roles and Responsibilities of Duty Holders, procedure for procurement, integrating AYUSH concepts and Data
Management and Monitoring through ‘Poshan Tracker’ for transparency, efficiency and accountability in delivery
of Supplementary Nutrition. 573479/2021/PM. No...CD –I-24/2/2021-US (e- 90701) .Dated 13th January, 2021. 33 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
the FCI / CWC godown. Once the lot is approved, the milk union starts
lifting the wheat from the FCI / CWC godown. Wheat is then unloaded
and transferred to the storage area/silo for cleaning purpose.
Apart from an online quality check system, in-house lab testing of the final
THR product is also done. After clearance from the quality department
only, THR product is dispatched from the plant. Additionally, random
samples drawn from each THR batch are sent for analysis to the Food &
Drug Laboratories of Government of Gujarat.
16
b. Telangana Foods, a Govt. of Telangana undertaking is a subsidiary under
Dept. of Women Development & Child Welfare department, specifically
to produce nutritive Modern therapeutic foods (MTF) and ready-to-eat
snack foods for children under ICDS program. Telangana Foods is an
ISO 22000:2018 certified institution, having a nationally accredited quality
control laboratory with ISO 17025:2017 certification and undertakes
quality tests on food quality in its own facility at all levels of production,
from procurement of raw material to the final product stage. The on-
site laboratory tests the quality of raw materials, packaging, and the
finished THR. They also have the capacity to test vitamins and mineral
composition. Any complaints received on THR quality are immediately
addressed through quality control testing in the laboratory.
c. In Odisha THR samples are sent from the ICDS projects to the State
Public Health Laboratory every month for quality testing. The lab submits
the test report to the Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) after
testing.
Monitoring squads have been constituted at the districts and blocks –
they make random checks during the preparation of THR and ensure that
proper quantity and quality is maintained.
Fixed day approach has been adopted for monitoring the quality of THR.
Ingredients of THR (Chhatua) are mixed on the 23rd of every month and
THR is distributed on the 1st of every month at the AWCs. This has helped
in maintaining the quality of THR and in ensuring transparency.
d. In Mizoram for quality control, samples are sent to Food & Nutrition
Board Regional Food Testing Laboratory, Department of Women & Child
Development Government of India in Kolkata for analysis, ensuring that
the THR conforms to the national standards.
16 A Public-Private Partnership in Gujarat: The Amul Case Study https://sightandlife.org/wp-content/
uploads/2020/09/THR-Compendium_PPP-in-Gujarat_The-Amul-Case-Study.pdf 34
ii. Batch testing from Government Analytical Labs (Kerala)
In Kerala, under the Kudumbashree Mission, all the samples are tested from each
batch of product from a Government Analytical Laboratory by the ICDS Supervisor
in-charge. The production unit follows the government-approved SOP to ensure
quality. Surprise visits are conducted by an approved joint committee comprising
of Programme Officers from the Social Justice Department and Kudumbashree
District Mission Team. Food and Safety officials conduct regular visits to the
units and assist them in improvement. District-wise food and safety training are
periodically given to all unit members.
17
2.5.2 Quality enforcement
Some of the States have taken strict action in case of non-compliance of prescribed
product parameters including cancellation of the contracts, and replacement of
the product in stipulated time.
i. Strict action in case of non-compliance as per prescribed parameters
(Odisha, Rajasthan, Mizoram)
a. In Odisha, non-compliance to the prescribed parameters set in the THR
guidelines with regards to production and supply of quality THR invites
strict action against the SHG, which includes termination of the contract,
stoppage of microcredit support by the department, and/or enforcement
of fine. Proper procedure ensuring natural justice is followed before taking
any action.
b. In Rajasthan, cases of non-compliance to quality parameters and nutritional
standards of THR by the WSHG attract warnings in the first instance. In
case of repetition of non-compliance, the contract with the WSHG is
cancelled.
18
c. In Mizoram, in case the THR product is found to lack the quality control
parameters laid down, they are instructed to comply with the nutritional
norms while also ensuring the nutritional food is fit, hygienic, and palatable
for consumption. In case of repetition or non-compliance, penal action
is taken in which case security deposit is forfeited and contract order
cancelled.
17 https://www.kudumbashree.org/storage/files/zutiy_40.nutrimix%20document.pdf
18 ICDS Rajasthan.(2020, September 22). Order No. 103684Regarding making available nutritional supplements
regularly to all registered beneficiaries. https://wcd.rajasthan.gov.in/content/dam/wcd-cms/icds/
order/2020/103684%202292020 35 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
ii. Replacement of product in 30 days and penalty charge (Gujarat)
If the product fails the microbiological parameters, making the product unsuitable
and unacceptable to consumers, the producers are liable for replacement free of
cost at the ultimate destination. The manufacturer (dairy union) is expected to
replace such product within 30 days from the date of intimation. Upon failure
to replace the unsuitable products within the given time limit, a penalty at 5%
of the invoiced price is recoverable from the manufacturer.
As far as premixes are concerned, the premixes are expected to reach the AWCs
within a maximum delivery period of 50 days from the date of the receipt of
the wheat or dispatch advice whichever is later. After completion of 50 days of
delivery period, penalty is charged at 1% from the 57
th
day up to the 80
th
day
for the quantity delivered late or remains undelivered. After 80 days, penalty is
charged at 2%. 36
2.6 PACKAGING AND LABELLING
Good practices on packaging and labelling were identified based on innovation
and the use of packaging to convey relevant nutritional messages to end-users,
caregivers, and families of the beneficiaries.
GoI Guidelines
19
The operational guidelines on Food Safety and Hygiene issued by the Ministry
of Women & Child Development on 24
th
October 2013 also cover packaging
and labelling. The packaging and proper labelling of the THR is crucial in
maintaining its quality. THRs should comply with the following for packaging
and labelling:
Packaging unit should be close to the processing unit. The packaging
unit should be clean and be made free from spilled powdered food
materials which may attract or harbour pests, rodents, or micro-
organism.
Weight machine, sealing machine, scoops, and packaging material
should be available.
Packaging should be done wearing proper apron, head gear, gloves,
and mask to cover mouth and nose. No footwear should be allowed
in the area.
Packaging materials should be such that it provides protection for
all food products to prevent contamination and damage. Packaging
material should be those which are permitted as laid down under the
FSSAI Act and the Regulations there under.
Processed food should be packed on the day of production to prevent
any possible infestation or adulteration.
Packets should carry proper labelling and information such as: Name
of the Product, Nutritive value, Ingredients used, Instructions for use
/process of consumption, best before, Batch number, Date of packing,
Weight of the product, Name of the producer, Address of the producer.
All packets should carry the label ‘Food for ICDS supplementary
nutrition –Food not for sale’. Immediately after packaging and proper
labelling, the products should be placed in the rooms provided for
storage under the required temperature and humidity conditions to
prevent any spoilage.
19 For more details on the guidelines, please refer to Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government
of India. Operational Guidelines for food safety and Hygiene in ICDS.F. No. 5(25)/2010/ND-Tech Pt. dated 24
th
December 2013. https://wcd.nic.in/sites/default/files/merged_document_3 37 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
2.6.1 Packaging of THR product
Packaging for THR products is important for a number of reasons. Firstly, good
packaging conveys a sense of quality about the products to the end user and
ensures better usage and adherence to the product.
Secondly, packaging offers an opportunity to educate users about preparation
and use of the product. Additional information on appropriate feeding practices
for infants and young children can also be provided. The packaging methods
adopted by different States/UTs are as follows:
i. Beneficiary specific colour coded packets
ii. Glass bottle distribution
iii. Customized weight specific packets
i. Beneficiary specific colour coded packets (Odisha)
Colour-coded packets are distributed to different beneficiary categories:
Yellow: Pregnant/lactating women
Blue: Children 6–36 months
Red: Severely underweight children
Given that the State Government distributes multiple products, colour-coded
packs ease the job of the AWW during distribution. The THR products for young
children also carry messages on the importance of breastfeeding.
ii. Glass bottle distribution (Kerala)
To ensure appropriate storage of the THR post opening of the packet, the State
distributes glass bottles as a one-time activity.
iii. Customized weight specific packets (Telangana)
The weighment of packages of Balamrutham is customized to 1.25 kg packets from
the previously existing 2.5 kg to facilitate easy consumption of the weaning food.
This has ensured a hassle-free storage and maintains freshness at the household
level as the weaning food can be consumed from smaller packets as and when
required thereby preventing spoilage/contamination. The packaging designs of
Balamrutham and Murukulu (snack food) provided as THR are made in attractive
packaging designs to appeal to children. (Figure 8) 38
Figure 8: Customized weight-specific packets
2.6.2 Labelling on packets
Labelling of the THR is crucial in maintaining its quality. Labelling products not
only provide crucial information and instructions to beneficiaries but can also help
the product stand out. They are usually on the back of the product and contain
important product information.
i. Customized messages on packets (Jharkhand)
THR is packaged as per pre-decided norms and protocol; it gives an opportunity
for the department to customize messaging to effectively reach the households.
This has a lot of potentials, especially in times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
ii. Instruction of preparation method (Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, and
Madhya Pradesh)
The THR packs in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh carry instructions on the THR
packs on how to prepare dishes using the product. The THR of Arunachal Pradesh
contains information like nutritive value, ingredients, shelf life, manufacturing
month, manufacturer details, and instruction for preparation method. In addition,
it is labeled as specially packed for SNP-Arunachal Pradesh.
iii. Informative labelling (Mizoram)
THR are procured from manufacturers having fully automated plants and technical
expertise thereby ensuring zero contamination, which is crucial for maintaining
quality. Packets are properly labelled and information such as the name of
the product, nutritive value, instructions for use/preparation for consumption,
ingredients, best before, batch number, date of packaging, weight of the product,
name of the producer, and address of the producer are clearly indicated. Packets
are also labelled with ‘Specially Packed for SNP, Not for Sale’ 39 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
2.7 MONITORING
As with any programme or activity, monitoring is important for accountability, to
be able to measure impact and ensure that the target beneficiaries have received
the product.
To provide systemic approaches, several States have introduced some management
practices into ICDS, such as involving community groups like SHGs, Mothers’
Committees, Jaanch Committees, real-time monitoring systems for use in
monitoring of day-to-day functioning of AWCs.
GoI Guidelines
20
The Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India in its
operational guidelines on food safety and hygiene issued in 2013 specifies
several monitoring protocols and standard operating procedures that need to
be followed at different stages of THR production and distribution.
As per Operational guidelines issued by the Ministry of Women and Child
Development dated 24
th
October 2013 on Food Safety and Hygiene in ICDS,
the Five-Tier Monitoring and Review Committees setup under ICDS should
monitor the different aspects of supplementary nutrition and ensure that food
safety measures are adhered to at all levels. CDPOs and ICDS Supervisors
have the primary responsibility of monitoring of the Supplementary Nutrition
Programme in their jurisdiction. ICDS Supervisors should ensure that all AWCs
under their jurisdiction follow proper norms of food handling, right from receipt
of stocks to delivery of supplementary nutrition to target beneficiaries. They
should also inspect the general hygiene of the AWCs and personal hygiene
of workers and other food handlers. Simple checklists should be used for
monitoring food safety measures at every stage by Supervisors/ CDPOs. The
Anganwadi-Level Monitoring and Support Committee and Gram Panchayat
Pradhans should be involved for monitoring of activities under Supplementary
Nutrition. District-level monitoring committees should review the Supplementary
Nutrition Programme under ICDS regularly and redressal mechanism may be
set up for at the district level.
Food and Nutrition Board, Ministry of WCD, with its 43 field units carry
out inspection and monitoring of Supplementary Nutrition.
Central Monitoring Units (CMUs) carry out monitoring of ICDS Services.
20 Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India.Operational Guidelines for Food Safety and
Hygiene in ICDS.F. No. 5(25)/2010/ND-Tech Pt. dated 24
th
December 2013
https://wcd.nic.in/sites/default/files/merged_document_3 40
Appropriate records of food processing/preparation, production/cooking,
storage, distribution, service, food quality, laboratory test results, cleaning and
sanitation, pest control and product recall should be kept and retained for a
period of the shelf-life of the product.
This review has focused on two main components of monitoring:
2.7.1 Real time monitoring
2.7.2 Community participation in monitoring
Figure 9: Community involvement
2.7.1 Real time monitoring
Real time monitoring involves robust digital technology platform and management
information system (MIS) designed to view the complete status of service delivery
to all categories of beneficiaries, namely pregnant women, lactating mothers and
children. The system enables tracking of all AWCs, AWWs, and beneficiaries on
THR delivery.
i. Real time monitoring using call centres (Jharkhand)
In 2011, the Real Time State Monitoring Cell was launched at the Directorate
of Social Welfare, Ranchi, with support from UNICEF. The monitoring cell is a
call centre through which real time feedback on regular functioning of AWC
is collected from AWWs and beneficiaries. This information includes timeliness
of the distribution of supplementary nutrition, quality and available quantity of
food at AWC level, availability of essential items, adequate infrastructure facility
at AWC for effective delivery of service, and availability of adequate and safe
water sources. 41 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
ii. GPS enabled monitoring system (Gujarat)
Government of Gujarat has developed the online monitoring system to keep eyes
on the entire distribution process. Before the THR stock is dispatched to the
AWCs, advance intimation is sent to the AWWs. All delivery vans have GPS. The
THR stock delivered at the AWC is authenticated through a system generated,
One Time Password. Quantity of THR delivered with the exact delivery time gets
recorded in the system.
The entire chain of distribution process right from demand generation till the
delivery to the AWC is closely-monitored by State Management Centre (SMC)
established at the Commissionerate of Women and Child Development with
support of GVK EMRI through an online system which allows access to each
stakeholder. Desk operators at State Management Centre (SMC) monitor each
delivery, and follow-up with the AWWs, supervisors and other officers for timely
lifting of food grains under HCM and distribution of THR to beneficiaries.
2.7.2 Community participation in monitoring
Community ownership of any project increases transparency, accountability and
quality standards. Various states have engaged communities in monitoring of THR
supply chain as well as products.
i. Community participation in monitoring of THR production and distribution
(Odisha)
In order to encourage community participation and ownership of the THR
programme, community-level monitoring is institutionalized through the formation
of Mothers Committees (MC) at each AWC and Jaanch Committees (JC) at each
revenue village in Odisha. The role of MCs is to ensure quality of THR distributed
at AWCs and the role of JCs is to ensure that the programme maintains prescribed
quality and quantity. Both committees are constituted of well-educated individuals
from the locality. Greater community involvement during implementation ensures
accountability in the timely distribution of high-quality THR to beneficiaries.
Additionally, in Odisha there is a system in place wherein the government staff
(supervisors, CDPOs, DSWO, and staff from Mission Shakti) regularly visit the THR
production units on fixed days of the month to oversee the production process.
ii. State level Monitoring Committee (Telangana)
‘Telangana Foods’ has a Nutrition Council which meets twice a year. It is headed
by the Chief Secretary to the Government of Telangana and includes a member
from the National Institute for Nutrition for oversight on the nutritional quality 42
of THR. An executive committee, that convenes every quarter, oversees regular
THR production operations.
Vigilance teams are formed at the level of Commissionerate and District level to
collect random samples from the field/suppliers of various commodities of THR
like red gram, milk etc., for checking quality of food items to ensure the food is
free from adulteration, spoilage or contamination. Samples of every batch are sent
for quality testing at nationally accredited food testing laboratories and reports
are collected. Punitive actions are taken on defaulters for any lapses in quality
as per the terms and conditions applicable.
iii. Supervision under local task force during pandemic (Mizoram)
During the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, AWCs could not
be opened everyday due to the enforcement of lockdowns/partial lockdowns and
other containment measures. Even in such times, the Local-Level Task Force (a
committee comprising of local leaders to combat COVID-19 by ensuring safety
protocols) played a key role in the distribution of THRs. Under their supervision,
AWWs while following strict COVID-19 protocols (social distancing, wearing of
face masks, distributing hand sanitization materials, etc.), also distributed essential
food items from the AWCs to their beneficiaries.
iv. Anganwadi- level Monitoring and Support Committee (Himachal Pradesh)
The Anganwadi-level Monitoring and Support Committee (ALMSC), which
comprises members from amongst Pachayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), SHGs,
beneficiaries (ICDS), local teachers, health workers, etc., with AWWs as member
secretary, decides the local source of procurement of green leafy/root vegetables
and pass a resolution to this effect. Thereby, the AWWs procure it from the source
decided by the ALMSC. Further, this Anganwadi-level committee also ensures the
smooth functioning of AWCs and also exercises checks on proper delivery and
distribution of supplementary nutrition. The Gram Panchayat Pradhans have been
empowered to inspect the AWCs and also to exercise check on the distribution
of supplementary nutrition, balance stock of nutrition, balance stock of nutrition
available in the centers, quality of nutrition and storage/maintenance of food
items, etc. 43 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
2.8 SOCIAL AND BEHAVIOUR CHANGE COMMUNICATION
(SBCC)
The THR distributed through the ICDS scheme can prevent malnutrition in young
children and improve pregnancy outcomes if its benefits and importance are
conveyed effectively to the end-users. However, it is understood that the natural
link between THR and nutrition is best addressed through social and behavior
change communication (SBCC) conducted during the process of product
distribution.
For the purposes of this document and its focus on THR, examples have been
picked, which establish connections between the THR distributed, nutrition, and
SBCC.
GOI Guidelines
21
As per the administrative guidelines issued by the Ministry of Women and
Child Development, Government of India on the implementation of the National
Nutrition Mission on 26
th
February 2018, IEC activities play a very important
and strategic role in the area of public health. A successful IEC plan would
help in refuting myths and misunderstandings prevalent in the society and will
lead to a demand for the various health services being provided, thus bringing
about a behavioural change among individuals and the community at large.
The IEC strategy aims to create awareness and disseminate information
regarding the benefits available under the various nutrition- and health-related
government schemes and to guide the citizens on how to access them. The
objective is also to encourage build-up of health-seeking behaviour among the
masses in keeping with the focus on promotive and preventive healthcare. The
IEC strategy will cater to different needs of the rural and urban masses through
the various tools used for communication. Separate funds shall be allotted
for this purpose at the Centre and State levels. The IEC activities mostly will
be done through the following methods: (a) Print media (b) television (c) All
India Radio (d) Social media campaigns.
21 Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. Administrative guidelines for implementation
of National Nutrition Mission.NNM/2017-WBP; 2018. 44
2.8.1 Use of color-coded flyers for improved complementary
feeding practices (Kerala)
The Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Kerala in
collaboration with the World Food Programme have developed a set of flyers on
age-appropriate complementary feeding practices. These flyers are designed for
children between 6–8 months of age, 9–11 months of age, 12–23 months of age,
and for feeding of young children during illness.
Whilst stressing upon the consistency, quality, and frequency of complementary
feeds to be given to young children, the flyers also stress upon the importance of
the local THR – Amrutham-Nutrimix. These age-appropriate flyers are distributed
to the caregivers of young children at the AWC when they collect the THR. In
addition to these flyers, the State has also invested in development of other IEC
material and conducting folk media campaigns highlighting the importance of
including THR in a young child’s diet (Figure 10).
Figure 10: IEC materials highlighting the importance of THR in everyday diet
2.8.2 Community based events (Telangana)
Community-based events are organized at the Anganwadi-levels for a day,
mobilizing young mothers and family members of children to enhance awareness
on nutritional values. Different activities are conducted during these events such as:
a. Demonstration of different food recipes and a variety of dishes are prepared
during the programme to train mothers to prepare palatable and tasty dishes
for their children using THR commodities. Family members like mothers-
in-law and husbands of pregnant and lactating women are particularly
involved during these community-based events to create awareness on
healthy food practices, behavioural aspects, etc. Cooking and food recipe
competitions are also conducted for husbands during these events. 45 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
b. Personnel from line departments such as health and panchayati raj are
invited during these programmes and awareness on good health and
nutrition practices is created among pregnant women and lactating
mothers through such channels.
2.8.3 Training of AWW and SHGs on nutrition (Jharkhand)
The AWWs, members of SHGs were jointly trained by the Social Welfare and
Jharkhand State Promotion Society on nutrition and services is being provided
through AWCs. These 29,342 women eventually become an asset for promoting
nutrition in their community and play a significant role in sharing the importance
of good nutrition in their weekly meetings.
2.8.4 IEC material focusing changing behavior pattern (Odisha)
The Department has developed various IEC materials for promoting complementary
feeding practices. Animation videos have been developed with the protagonist
tiki mausi promoting messages on complementary feeding for children.
The IEC activities focus on changing behavior patterns related to IYCF practices
and ensuring improved practices on consumption of THR.
2.8.5 Awareness about nutritional content of traditional and
local food (Mizoram)
For the purpose of behavioural change communication, a nutri-plate chart is
being supplied to mothers and they are told about the nutritional contents of
traditionally and locally available fruits, vegetables, pulses, legumes, and sources
of protein. This helps mothers in getting informed of the various foods that
are locally available along with their nutritional contents to ensure that there is
360-degree coverage of all nutrients that are needed by their child.
This nutri-plate chart also includes tables of locally available food items that
would help ensure mothers to include them in their daily food intake. It also helps
mothers in receiving and spreading the good message, through word-of-mouth,
conveying the nutritional importance of the five food groups – vegetables, fruits,
whole grains, healthy proteins, and dairy products – that can help enhance the
nutrition intake and aid in growth and development of their child. This process
imparts nutritional knowledge to the local community thereby ensuring that they
include all the five food groups in their daily food plate and that each child is not
missing out on any nutrients from the different food groups that are essential for
their growth. This also helps mothers who are not aware of the good practices for
their child’s nutritional intake and they come to know about the positive effects
of good nutritional intake in a child’s growth and development. 46
2.8.6 Message through digital platform (Maharashtra)
In order to ensure continuity of counselling efforts despite the challenges posed
by the COVID-19 pandemic, Tarang Suposhit Maharashtracha was conceived as an
adaptation, and launched by the Department of Women and Child Development,
Government of Maharashtra. Through these digital communication platforms, the
department reaches out to households in the State and conveys essential nutrition-
related information customized to the household’s needs. The digital platform
– Tarang Suposhit Maharashtracha – encompasses a multichannel approach by
integrating IVR helpline, auto-generated broadcast calls/ SMS, and a whatsapp
chatbot. The system empowers parents to assess the nutritional condition of their
children, and seek for suitable system-generated follow-up messages.
Major themes accessed through these platforms are nutrition during COVID, early
childhood development, and nutritious recipes. The digital platforms strengthen
the supplementary nutrition programme by providing information about both
HCM and THR, readily available to the users. Nutritious recipes using the THR
are demonstrated through the ‘Ek Ghas Mayecha: Feeding with care’ video series.
These videos also help in creating awareness around complementary feeding and
responsive feeding.
Figure 11: ‘Ek Ghas Mayecha: Feeding with care’ recipe video series 47 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
The digital platforms have been further optimized through its use for program
monitoring and improvement. Through the platforms, parents can participate in
a social audit through whats app and IVR and provide feedback regarding ICDS
services such as THR delivery and access, as well its usefulness at the household
level. The data captured is valuable for State and district level review and mid-
course correction in programs.
So far, the platform has reached more than 35 lakh program participants. whats
app chatbot has been used by 13 lakh users through5 crores messages. About
21 lakh calls have been received on IVR Helpline. Broadcast calls/SMS have been
sent to 38 lakh people. More than 76 thousand people have responded to the
social audit through whats app and the IVR system WAY FORWARD
3 50
WAY FORWARD
India is committed to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)-2030.
Sustainable Development Goals aim to end all forms of malnutrition and achieve
zero hunger. In this direction, Supplementary Nutrition Program under ICDS plays
a pivotal role by trying to bridge the gap of nutrients in the diet of vulnerable
groups such as pregnant women and lactating mothers, children 0-6 years of
age and adolescent girls.
Take Home Ration is provided to pregnant and lactating women and children
6 months to 3 years of age. States/UTs have tried to improve its procurement,
production, product formulation, quality, monitoring and supply chain management.
Further, there is realization that more value can be delivered from THR in terms
of improving complementary feeding practices for young children and thereby
preventing malnutrition and boosting nutritional status of pregnant women and
lactating mothers, leading to better birth weights of children and improved health
outcomes.
There continue to be some persistent challenges across the THR value chain. In
order to realize the full potential of the THR, all components of this value chain
need to function at optimum. This therefore calls for the following:
Building a robust system for procurement, supply chain management
and monitoring that ensures complete transparency, standardized
process, sustainability,full coverage, leverages local ties, foster a culture
of collaboration, builds trust within a community, and less susceptible to
corruption and mismanagement.
Adoption of such production model that not only helps to optimize
production but also improves THR access in rural areas, produces THR with
high nutrient value through addition of micronutrient premix, enhances
community ownership involving SHGs and promotes income generating
activities and female empowerment.
It is important to provide, good quality THR product having nutritive value
rather than ensuring only calories and proteins.
Quality testing is an integral part of assurance of good product to
beneficiaries. The States/UTs may consider regular testing of THR through
recognized labs, to ensure quality meal through ICDS.
To improve the nutritional status of beneficiaries, it is important to aware
masses about nutritional value of food though Information Education 51 Way Forward
and Communication (IEC) material distribution, message through digital
platform, community based events and dissemination, capacity building
of AWW and SHGs, community mobilization and action.
Key takeaways
Regular sensitization of States/UT on the enhanced role of THR as
well as dissemination of guidance notes on different aspects of THR.
Creation of opportunities for cross-learning between States/UTs for
mainstreaming of good and innovative practices.
Implementation of good practices in THR across the value chain with
enhanced coverage, continuity, quality, and intensity.
Greater adoption and enhancement of good practices and sharing
back these innovations ANNEXURE 54
ANNEXURE I
THR IN VARIOUS STATES/UT s
Bihar
Beneficiary
Type of THR and
number of days
for which THR is
provided
Frequency of
distribution
Quantity of THR (Per day
consumption)
Net Weight of 1
packet of THR
Normal
and MAM
children
(6months to
3years)
THR for 25
days
Monthly Rice(100g),
Dal(50g),
Soya bean(20g)
=170g/day
Rice: 2500g
Dal: 1250g
Soya bean: 500g
=4250g
(170gx25days
=4250g)
SAM children
(6months to
3years)
THR for 25
days
Monthly Rice(150g),
Dal(70g),
soya bean(35g)
=255g/ day
Rice: 3750g
Dal: 1750g
Soya bean: 875g
=6375g
(255g x25 days
=6375g)
Pregnant
Women and
Lactating
Mothers
THR for 25
days
Monthly Rice(140g),
Dal(60g),
Soya bean(18g)
=218g/ day
Rice:3500g
Dal:1500g
Soya bean: 450g
=5450g
(218g x25 days
=5450g)
Chhattisgarh
Beneficiary
Type of THR and
number of days
for which THR is
provided
Frequency of
distribution
Quantity of THR
(Per day consumption)
Net Weight of
1 packet of THR
Normal
and MAM
children
(6months-
3 years)
Ready to Eat
(RTE)
for 6 days
Weekly (Shishu Shakti Ahar)
Wheat(37.5g),
Soyabean (12.5g)
Channa(25g)
Jaggery(33.75g)
Fortified soya bean oil
(6.25g), Peanut (6.25g)
Ragi (3.75g)
=125g/day
750g
(125g x 6 days
= 750g) 55 Annexure
Beneficiary
Type of THR and
number of days
for which THR is
provided
Frequency of
distribution
Quantity of THR
(Per day consumption)
Net Weight of
1 packet of THR
SAM children
(6 months
–3 years)
Ready to Eat
(RTE)
for 6 days
Weekly (Shishu Shakti Ahar)
Wheat(60g)
Soyabean (20g)
Channa(40g)
Jaggery(54g)
Fortified soyabean oil (10g)
Peanut (10g)
Ragi (6g)
=200g/day
1200g
(200g x 6
days = 1200g)
Gujarat
Beneficiary
Type of THR and
number of days
for which THR is
provided
Frequency of
distribution
Quantity of THR (Per day
consumption)
Net Weight of 1
packet of THR
Normal
Children
(6 to
36 months)
Ready to Cook
(RTC) –
Bal Shakti
for 28 days
Monthly Fortified Wheat(62gm),
Besan (6g),
Soyabean flour (10g),
Sugar(36g)
Fortified oil (11g)
=125g/ day
500g per packet
7 packets
provided for
25 days
500g x7days
=3500g
3500g for 28 days
SUW (6 to
36 months)
RTC –Bal
Shakti for 27
days
Monthly Fortified Wheat(92gm),
Besan (9 g),
Soyabean (15g),
Sugar(53g)
Fortified oil(16g)
= 185g/day
500g per packet
10 packets are
provided for
25 days
500g x10 packets
=5000g
5000g for 27 days
Pregnant
Women and
Lactating
Mothers
Ready to Cook
(RTC) –Matru
Shakti for 28
days
Monthly Fortified Wheat(40g)
Besan (4g)
Soya bean Flour(19g)
Maize(19g),
Fortified Rice(15g)
Sugar(31g)
Fortified oil(17g)
=145g/ day
1000g per packet
4 packets are
provided for
25 days
1000g x 4packets
=4000g
4000g for
28 days 56
Haryana
Beneficiary
Type of THR and
number of days
for which THR is
provided
Frequency
of
distribution
Quantity of THR (Per day
consumption)
Net Weight of 1
packet of THR
Normal children
(6 months to
6years)
Panjiri for
6 days
Weekly/
Fortnightly
Fortified Wheat(100g)
Oil (15g)
Sugar (35g)
=150g/day
No packing
is done as
panjiri is being
prepared by the
mother group
SAM children
(6 months to
72 months)
Paushtik Panjiri
for 6days
Weekly/
Fortnightly
Fortified Wheat (100g),
Besan (20g)
Peanut(15g)
Fortified Oil (15gm)
Sugar (50g)
=200g/day
No packing
is done as
panjiri is being
prepared by
mother group
Kerala
Beneficiary
Type of THR and
number of days
for which THR is
provided
Frequency of
distribution
Quantity of THR (Per day
consumption)
Net Weight of
1 packet of THR
All children
(6months to
5 years)
Amrutham-
Nutrimix for
25 days
Monthly
(7 packets)
Wheat (60.8 g)
Soya chunks 13.5g)
Bengal gram (20.3g)
Groundnut (13.5g)
Sugar(27g)
500g per
packet
7 packets
provided for
25 days
500g x 7days
=3500g
(3500 g for
25 days)
SUW Children Double quantity provided
Karnataka
Beneficiary
Type of THR and
number of days
for which THR is
provided
Frequency of
distribution
Quantity of THR (Per day
consumption)
Net Weight of
1 packet of THR
Normal children
(6 months to
6years)
Pusthi powder
for 25 days
Monthly Roasted rice powder (18g)
Roasted wheat powder
(36 g)
Roasted green gram
powder (40g)
Roasted bengal gram
powder(6g)
=100g/ day
2500 g
100gx25
days=2500g 57 Annexure
Beneficiary
Type of THR and
number of days
for which THR is
provided
Frequency of
distribution
Quantity of THR (Per day
consumption)
Net Weight of
1 packet of THR
SAM children
(6 months to
6years)
Pusthi powder
for 25 days
Monthly Roasted rice powder(27g)
Roasted wheat
powder(54g)
Roasted green gram
Powder(60g)
Roasted bengal gram
powder(9g )
=150g/ day
3750g
150gx 25days
=3750g
Madhya Pradesh
Beneficiary
Type of THR and
number of days
for which THR is
provided
Frequency of
distribution
Quantity of THR (Per day
consumption)
Net Weight of
1 packet of THR
All children
(6months to
6 years)
Energy-dense
Balahar
for 5 days
Weekly Roasted wheat flour (57.6g)
Sugar (19.2g)
Roasted soya flour (16.8g)
Milk powder (14.4g)
Vegetable oil (12g)
=(120g/day)
600g
(120g x 5 days
= 600 g)
All children
(6months to
6 years)
Energy-dense
premix khichdi
for 5 days
Weekly Fortified Rice (58.75g)
Moong dal (31.25g)
Defatted soyagrits (17.5g)
Oil (15g),
DFS, spices and condiments
(2.5g)
= (120g/ day)
600g
(120g x 5 days
= 600 g)
All children
(6months to
6 years)
Energy-dense
premix halwa
for 5 days
Weekly Roasted wheat flour(50g)
Roasted soya flour (16.8g)
Sugar(19.2g)
Roasted besan (9.6g)
Milk powder(12g)
Refined vegetable Oil(12g)
=(120g/ day)
600g
(120g x 5 days
= 600 g) 58
Beneficiary
Type of THR and
number of days
for which THR is
provided
Frequency of
distribution
Quantity of THR (Per day
consumption)
Net Weight of
1 packet of THR
Normal
children
(3–6years)
Sookha daliya
mixture
for 15 days
Fortnightly Wheat (79g)
Moong dal (48g)
Soyabean (10g)
Groundnut (13g)
=(150g/ day)
2250g
(150g x 15
days = 2250
g)
Normal
children
(3–6 years)
Sookha khichdi
choora
for 15 days
Fortnightly Wheat (65g)
Maize (35g)
Moong dal (30g)
Chana dal (20g)
=(150g/ day)
2250g
(150g x 15
days=2250g)
MUW
children
(6months to
5years)
Sookha dalia
mix
for 15 days
Fortnightly Wheat (125g)
Moong dal (55g)
Soyabean (20g)
Groundnut (30g)
=(230g/ day)
3450g
(230g x15 days
=3450g)
MUW
children
(6months to
5years)
Sookha khichdi
choora
for 15 days
Fortnightly Wheat (110g)
Maize (60g)
Moong dal (40g)
Chana dal (30g)
=(240g/ day)
3600g
(240g x15
days =3600g)
Pregnant
and lactating
women
Gehu soya
barfi premix
for 6 days
Weekly Roasted Wheat Flour(63g)
Roasted soya
flour(Defatted)(21g)
Sugar(27g)
Roasted besan (12g),
Refined vegetable oil (15g)
=(150g/ day)
900g
(150g x6 days
=900g)
Pregnant
and lactating
women
Atta Besan
Laddu premix
For 6 days
Weekly Roasted Wheat Flour(51g)
Roasted Soya Flour(21g)
Sugar(27g)
Roasted Besan (24g)
Milk powder(21g)
Roasted Vegetable oil(15g)
=(150g/ day)
900g
(150g x6 days
=900g) 59 Annexure
Children receive the following premixes:
Sookha daliya mixture: For normal children (3–6 years) and for SUW
children (6months to 5years)
Sookha Khichdi choora: For normal children (3-6 years) and for SUW
children (6months to 5years)
Khichdi premix: For all children (6months to 6years)
Halwa premix: For all children (6months to 6years)
Balahar: For all children (6 months to 6years)
Note: Khichdi premix, Halwa premix and BalAhar mix packets are given to children on an alternate basis.
One week Khichdi premix is given, the next week Halwa premix is given and in the following week BalAhar
mix is given.
Odisha
Beneficiary
Type of THR and
number of days
for which THR is
provided
Frequency of
distribution
Quantity of THR (Per
day consumption)
Net Weight of 1 packet
of THR
Children
(6 months to
3 years)
Ready to Eat
(RTE) chhatua
for 25 days
Monthly Wheat (62.5g)
Bengal gram dal
(9.4g)
Groundnut (12.5g)
Sugar(15.6g)
= 98g/ day
2450g per packet
(98g x 25 days =
2450g)
SAM children
(6–59
months)
Augmented
THR – Ready
to Eat (RTE)
chhatua
Fortnightly Wheat (30g)
Bengal gram dal
(10g)
Groundnut (10g)
Sugar (15g)
Vegetable oil (15g),
Milk powder (20g)
100g per packet
Packets are provided
as per weight of the
child 3.5-6.0kg =14
packets
6.1-8.7kg =21 packets
8.8-11.3kg =28
packets
>11.4kg= 35 packets 60
Rajasthan
Beneficiary
Type of THR and
number of days
for which THR is
provided
Frequency of
distribution
Quantity of THR (Per
day consumption)
Net Weight of 1 packet
of THR
Normal
children
(6 months to
6years)
THR for 25
days
Monthly Wheat(50g)
Rice(50g)
Chana dal (80g)
=180g/ day
Wheat (1250g)
Rice (1250g)
Chana dal (2000g)
= 4500g
180g x25days=4500g
SUW
children
(6 months to
6years)
THR for 25
days
Monthly Wheat (80g)
Rice (60g)
Chana dal (120g)
=260 g / day
Wheat (2000g)
Rice (1500g)
Chana dal (3000g)
6500g
260gx
25days=6500g
Telangana
Beneficiary
Type of THR and
number of days
for which THR is
provided
Frequency of
distribution
Quantity of THR (Per day
consumption)
Net Weight of 1 packet
of THR
All children
(6months to
3 years)
Weaning food:
Balamrutham
for 25 days
Monthly Roasted Wheat (55g)
Sugar (20g)
Oil(10g),
Milk powder (10g)
Bengal Gram(5g)
=100g/ day
1250g per packet
(2 packets are
provided for 25
days)
1250 g x
2packets=2500g
SAM and
MAM
children
(7months to
6years)
Balamrutham
Plus
Weekly Roasted wheat (26.7g)
Milk powder (13.3g)
Oil(20g)
Sugar (20g)
Bengal gram (3.3g)
Groundnut (3.3g)
Rice Flakes(13.3 g)
=100g/day
Depends on child
weight. For example:
If child weight is
11.8 kg, 5 packets (1
kg per packet) per
month are given. 61 Annexure
ANNEXURE II-I
STATES/UTs WISE LIST OF DIRECTORS, ICDS AND NODAL
OFFICERS, POSHAN GYAN PORTAL
S. No. StateDirectors, ICDS Nodal Officers, Poshan Gyan Portal
1 Andhra
Pradesh
Dr. Krithika Shukla
Director
Department of Women
Development & Child Welfare
Government of Andhra Pradesh
Mobile: 8374032888
Ms. Sujatha Rani B
Joint Project Coordinator
POSHAN Abhiyaan,
Government of Andhra Pradesh
Mobile. 09550360918
e-mail: apwdcw@gmail.com
2 Chhattisgarh Smt. Divya Umesh Mishra
Director
Department of Women
Development & Child Welfare
Govt. of Chhattisgarh,
Mob No.: 9425227700
dirwcd.cg@gov.in
Mr. Nand Lal Choudhary
Joint Director
WCD Department
Government of Chhattisgarh
Mobile: 09425555088
e-mail - nlcbdwcd@gmail.com
3 Delhi NCT Dr. Rashmi Singh
Director
Women and Child Development
Govt. of NCT of Delhi,
Delhi Secretariat,
New Delhi – 110002
Ph. 011-23862652/20832581
Mob. No.:
poshan.dwcd@gmail.com
Ms. Suman Sharma
Asst. Director
POSHAN
Mobile - 9968249891
poshan.dwcd@gmail.com
4 Gujarat 1. Mr. D.N .Modi
Director
ICDS, Commissionerate of
Women and Child Development
“mailto:gujicds@gujarat.gov.in”
gujicds@gujarat.gov.in
Landline: 07923253305
Mobile: 09978402983
2. Smt. H. G. Raj
Deputy Secretary
Phone No. 079-232-54260,
Fax No. 079-232-52251
ds-icds-wncw@gujarart.gov.in
Mr. Yatinkumar K Gajera,
ICDS, Commissionerate of
Women and Child Development,
Government of Gujarat,
Mobile: 9016201963
e-mail: icdsiec2019@gmail.com 62
S. No. StateDirectors, ICDS Nodal Officers, Poshan Gyan Portal
5 Himachal
Pradesh
Ms. Rakhil Kahlon
Director
Department of Women
Development Govt. of Himachal
Pradesh
H.P. Secretariat,
Shimla – 171002.
Ph.: 2622033
Email - wcd-hp@nic.in
Dr. Seema Thakur, Assistant
Director, Nutrition
Mobile: 09418060328
6 Jharkhand Mr. Anjaneyulu Dodde
Director
Deptt. Of WCD and Social
Welfare
Govt. Jharkhand
Ph. No: 0651-2400749
dsw_jharkhand15@yahoo.com
Ms. Kanchan Singh
e-mail: swdjharkhand@gmail.com
7 Karnataka Mr. Chandrashekhar
Joint Secretary
Department of Women and
Child Development and
Empowerment of Differently
Abled and Senior Citizens,
Bangalore-560 001
Ph. No. 080-22032191
ds-wcd@karnataka.gov.in
Priyanka mary Francis
Director
Women and Child Development
Department Govt. of Karnataka,
Mob. 09632643017
Email - jdicds.dwcd@gmail.com
directorwcd01@gmail.com
8 Kerala ANUPAMA T V
Director
Directorate of Women and
Child Development
8078071070
director.wcd@kerala.gov.in
Ph. 0471-2346508,2346534
Ms. Bindu Gopinath
Additional Director
WCD Dpt., Kerala
Ph. 0471-2346534
swdicds@gmail.com
9 Madhya
Pradesh
Sh. Naresh Pal Kumar,
Commissioner
Women and Child Development
Department, Government of
Madhya Pradesh
Mobile: 9425007887
-
10 Maharashtra Ms. Indra Mallo
Commissioner
ICDS Deptt., Govt of
Maharashtra, Raigad Bhawan,
Ist Floor, Rear Wing, Belapur
CBD, Navi Mumbai
Ph. No. 022-27576388
Email - mahaposhan@gmail.com
Ms. Neha Arora
Consultant – Health & Nutrition
SMPU POSHAN Abhiyaan & ICDS
Maharashtra
Phone. 022-27576388/322
Mobile: 9167756260
e-mail: icdssmpu@gmail.com 63 Annexure
S. No. StateDirectors, ICDS Nodal Officers, Poshan Gyan Portal
11 Manipur Ngangom Uttam Singh
Director
Department of Social Welfare,
Government of Manipur
Mobile: 9354336850
Mr. Bantee Singh Konthoujam
Deputy Secretary
Social Welfare,
Government of Manipur
“mailto:bantee.konthoujam@gmail.
com” bantee.konthoujam@gmail.
com
Mobile: 8730877424
12 Meghalaya Shri. L. M. Momin, Deputy
Director of Social Welfare,
Govt. of Meghalaya,
Main Secretariat Building,
Shillong – 793001
Mobile: 8131003864
Email: dte_swmeg@yahoo.in
lm.momin@yahoo.com
dte_swmeg@yahoo.co.in
Smt. V H Blah,
Programme Officer, ICDS
Mobile: 7005651362
e-mail: dte_swmeg@yahoo.in
13 Odisha Kalyani Patnaik
Joint Secretary to Govt of
Odisha Department of Women &
Child Development
Ph. No. 0674 – 2322929
Mobile: 9438106239/9437572567
dirwcd.or@nic.in
Ms. Nandita Nayak,SPM(C),
WCD Department, Government of
Odisha
Mobile: 9437161856
e-mail: nandita20in@gmail.com
14 Rajasthan Mr. O.P Bunker
Director, Child Rights, Govt.
of Rajasthan, G-3/1, Ambedkar
Bhawan, Rajmahal Residency
Area, Jaipur – 302005
Office No. 0141-2220258
Mobile No. : 9414244278
E-mail: raj.sje@rajsthan.gov.in
director.wcd@rajasthan.gov.in
1. Mr. Rajesh Verma,
Addl. Director (Nutrition), ICDS,
Govt. of Rajasthan
Mobile: 09414058387
Ph. 0141-2700246
Email: adn.wcd@rajasthan.gov.in
2. Dr. Bhag Chand Badhal,
Addl. Director (Nutrition) Nodal
Officer Poshan Abhiyaan,
ICDS Rajasthan
Phone no: 0141-2700246
Mobile: 91-9414082333
15 Tamil Nadu Dr. Rathna
Commissioner, Social Welfare
& Nutrition Meal Programme,
Government of Tamil Nadu,
Office: 044-24351891
Mobile: 9894991655
e-mail: “mailto:dsw@tn.nic.in”
dsw@tn.nic.in
Mrs. V. R. Jayalakshmi
Joint Director (NNM)
Government of Tamil Nadu
Mobile: 09444222809
e-mail: poshanabhiyaan.tn@gmail.
com 64
S. No. StateDirectors, ICDS Nodal Officers, Poshan Gyan Portal
16 Telangana Smt.Sunandha,
Joint Director (Admin &ICDS)
Government of Telangana
Mr. Johnson
Asst. Director (NNM)
WDCW Department,
Government of Telangana
Mobile: 9440324928
e-mail: pwjohny@gmail.com
17 West Bengal Mrs. Nilanjana Das
Director WCD and Social
Welfare
Govt. of West Bengal,
Mob No. 8334915554
Scpswb2013@gmail.com
Sri Pijush Saha
Assistant Director, ICDS
Mob. 08927800035
pijushsaha67@gmail.com
18 Haryana Smt. Hema Sharma
Director, Women and Child
Development Deptt.,
Govt. of Haryana, Base No.
15-20, Sector-4, Panchkula,
Chandigarh- 134112
Tel. No. 0172-2560349
Mob No. 9416935000
dgwcdhry@gmail.com
Ms. Rajbala Kataria
Joint Director (ICDS)
WCD Haryana Poshan Abhiyaan
Women and Child Development
Department Sec-4, Panchkula,
Haryana
Mob. 9416654430
poshan.wcd@gmail.com 65 Annexure
ANNEXURE II-II
LIST OF RESOURCE PERSONS FOR VARIOUS GOOD
PRACTICES ADOPTED BY STATES/UT s
S. No. InstitutionContact Details
1 Mission Shakti, Odisha Mr. Binod Kumar Jena, Joint Secretary
pmumissionshakti@gmail.com; 0674-2974093
2 Uttar Pradesh State Rural
Livelihood Mission
Mr. Bhanu Chandra Goswami, Mission Director
mdsrlmup9@gmail.com
3 Kudumbshree KeralaRenu Georgy, State Assistant Programme Manager,
Kudumbashree Mission, GoK
sapmkshree@gmail.com
9495369436
4 Telangana Foods
WDCW Department, Telangana
1. Sri. S. Yellamanda, Manager (Process)
mprocess.tsfoods@gmail.com
9989501532
2. Sri. N. Babu, Deputy Manager (Q.C)
qc.tsfoods@gmail.com
9989501552
5 Sahaspur Lohra
Jagdamba Samuh Gram Daroli
Chhattisgarh
Smt. Kiran, Programme Head
9755787081
7000789546 68
TAKE HOME RATION
Designed b y
TAKE HOME
RATION
GOOD PRACTICES-ACROSS THE STATES/UT s
Designed b y
TAKE HOME
RATION
GOOD PRACTICES-ACROSS THE STATES/UT s TAKE HOME RATION: GOOD PRACTICES
ACROSS THE STATES/UT s
Publishing Agency: NITI Aayog
Year of Publication: 2022
Language: English
ISBN: 978-81-953811-1-1
DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/ekzcv
Authors:
NITI AAYOG
Dr. Rakesh Sarwal (Additional Secretary)
Hemant Kumar Meena (Deputy Secretary)
Dr. Rinky Thakur (Research Officer)
UN World Food Programme
Dr. Shariqua Yunus Khan (Head of Nutrition and School Feeding unit)
Mr. Eric Kenefick (Deputy Country Director)
Suggested Citation:
Sarwal, R., Meena, H. K., Thakur, R., Yunus, S., & kenefick, E. (2022, July 4).
TAKE HOME RATION GOOD PRACTICES-ACROSS THE STATES/UTs.
https://doi.org/10.31219/osf.io/ekzcv
Disclaimer:
The document for Take Home Ration Good Practices across the State/UTs
is based on secondary data sources and information received from the
Department of Women and Child Development of various States/UTs. NITI
Aayog does not guarantee the accuracy of data or accept responsibility for
the consequences of using this data, as this document is based purely on
information received from secondary sources. iii Foreword
Good nutrition is an essential requirement for leading a healthy life and achieving
one’s full growth potential. Malnutrition is responsible for disease, morbidity,
and unequal opportunity. India has been implementing the Integrated Child
Development Services Scheme for addressing malnutrition. Under this, the Take-
Home Rations (THR) programme provides fortified rations for home use for
children aged between 6 and 36 months, and pregnant and lactating women.
Malnutrition numbers in the country point to the fact that there is a lot to achieve.
To give further impetus to nutrition efforts the Government of India launched
the National Nutrition Mission, or POSHAN Abhiyan, with a target to reduce
undernutrition by 2 percent per year.
The current THR programme has been found to be very resilient in the face of the
COVID-19 disruption and has helped communities to manage the negative impact
of the pandemic on child and maternal nutrition. This programme has catered
to the needs of the most vulnerable sections of the society. There is a need to
further strengthen it to achieve the nutritional targets in a time-bound manner.
This document on good practices compiles and collates innovations in THR
programmes in various States and Union Territories. Aspects related to production,
distribution, hygiene, labelling, packaging, monitoring, and quality assurance have
been reviewed to generate a catalogue of good practices.
I would like to commend this collaborative effort between NITI Aayog and the UN
World Food Programme in developing this document. I trust this will help State
Governments/Union Territories to adopt good practices in their THR programmes.
Vice Chairman
NITI Aayog
Foreword
Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog iv vi vii Message
Message
CEO, NITI Aayog
Though India’s nutritional outcomes have improved consistently over the years,
the country is still grappling with child malnutrition, as reflected in high prevalence
of low birth weight, stunting, wasting and severe wasting. The ‘first 1000 days’
window is of critical importance for ensuring full growth and development of
children. India has one of the largest child nutrition programmes in the world –
the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme.
Adequate nutrition during infancy and early childhood is essential to ensure
that children are healthy and reach their full growth and development potential.
After six months of age, complementary feeding is required to meet the infant’s
nutritional needs. Optimal infant and young child feeding practices are key in
helping children reach their potential during infancy and early childhood.
Through the ICDS programme, Take-Home Ration (THR) is distributed to children
aged 6–36 months and to pregnant/lactating women for consumption at home.
THR aims to fill in the nutrition gap among infants and young children by way
of complementary feeding.
I am very happy that NITI Aayog and the UN World Food Programme have
collaborated in bringing out good practices related to THR prevalence across
the States/UTs. There has been a lot of innovation in the field of THR in terms
of production, distribution, quality control, monitoring, and use of technology.
Such good practices will definitely help other States/UTs to further strengthen
the effectiveness of their THR programmes.
CEO, NITI Aayog viii ix Preface
Preface
Over the past decades, India has been making consistent progress towards
ensuring food and nutrition security and reducing malnutrition levels among its
citizens. To do so, India has at hand several strong policy initiatives, schemes and
programmes including the world’s largest food safety nets under the umbrella of
the National Food Security Act, 2013.
Within the food-based safety nets, the Integrated Child Development Services
(ICDS) scheme seamlessly juxtaposes the ‘first 1000 days’ window of opportunity
whilst aiming to address malnutrition among young children and pregnant/
lactating women through a host of services including provision of take-home
rations (THR), nutrition health education, etc. Quality assured, safe and nutritious
take-home rations delivered to the ICDS participants with appropriate messages
on nutrition have the potential to prevent malnutrition in the communities.
I am extremely pleased with the joint efforts of NITI Aayog and WFP in developing
this document with the objective of sharing with States/UTs a set of innovative
and good practices across the THR production and distribution value chain. We
hope this rich compilation of innovative practices across India around THR in the
ICDS scheme will be valuable to further improve nutrition among children and
mothers.
This resource comes at an opportune moment as there is a growing momentum
around THR with the National Nutrition Mission and Poshan 2.0 placing a renewed
focus on and seeking inspiration from examples and models to strengthen their
THR systems. x
In 2019, the United Nations World Food Programme in India conducted a mapping
of THR across India and is currently supporting the State Governments of Uttar
Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Odisha on improving the composition and establishing
decentralized production of fortified nutritious THR. This study builds on this
body of work and ongoing partnerships on the ground.
I am confident the publication will be of great value for the policymakers,
practitioners, and civil society organisations.
Bishow Parajuli
UNWFP Representative and Country Director for India xi Acknowledgement
Acknowledgement
We are grateful to the Ministry of Women and Child Development for enriching
the document by providing comments. We thank Women and Child Development
departments of various States/UTs for sharing their good practices.
The document benefited greatly from the comments and feedback of Dr. Neena
Bhatia, Senior Specialist, NITI Aayog. We are grateful to the following organization
and individuals who provided valuable feedback during the review phase:
Dr. Abner E Daniel (Nutrition Specialist, UNICEF India Country Office), Siddharth
Waghulkar (WFP), Manisha Kaushik (WFP), Reema Chugh (WFP), Tashi Choedon
(Institute of Economic Growth). We are also thankful to Indrani Das Gupta and
Vaishnavi Iyer, Young Professional (NITI Aayog) for their meticulous editing of
the document. xiii Acronyms
Acronyms
AWCAnganwadi Centre
AWHAnganwadi Helper
AWWAnganwadi Worker
CDPO Child Development Project Officer
CFMS Comprehensive Financial Management System
DSWO District Social Welfare Officer
EDNF Energy Dense Nutritious Food
FCRFirst Contact Resolution
FCSCM Food Commodities Supply Chain Management System
FSSAI Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
GCMMF Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation
GoIGovernment of India
HCMHot-Cooked Meal
ICDS Integrated Child Development Services
IECInformation Education Communication
IVRInteractive Voice Response
JCJaanch Committees
MAMModerate Acute Malnutrition
MCMothers’ Committee
MISManagement Information System xiv
MSPC Mahila Supplementary Food Production Centers
NABL
National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration
Laboratories
NECC National Egg Coordination Committee
NGONon-Profit Organisation
NNMNational Nutrition Mission
NPOs Non Profit Organizations
PDSPublic Distribution System
PLWPregnant and Lactating Women
QAQuality Assurance
QCQuality Control
RDARecommended Dietary Allowance
RTCReady to Cook
RTEReady to Eat
SAMSevere Acute Malnutrition
SBCC Social and Behavior Change Communication
SHGSelf-Help Group
SNPSupplementary Nutrition Programme
SOPStandard Operating Procedure
SUWSevere Underweight
THRTake-Home Ration
UTUnion Territory
WCDWomen & Child Development
WDCW Women Development & Child Welfare
WSHG Women’s Self Help Group xv Contents
Contents
Foreword, Vice Chairman iii
Message, Member (Health) v
Message, CEO, NITI Aayog vii
Preface ix
Acknowledgement xi
Acronyms xiii
Executive Summary xvii
1. Background and Methodology...................................................................................1
2. Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs............................................................5
2.1 Procurement 6
2.1.1 Procurement through e-tendering 7
2.1.2 Procurement based on quality parameters 7
2.1.3 Procurement through non-profit organisation 8
2.2 Production Model 9
2.2.1 Decentralized production model involving Self Help Group 10
2.3 Supply Chain Management 13
2.3.1 Mo-Chhatua Website, Management Information System (MIS) 14
2.3.2 PuShTI – Poshan Umbrella for Supply Chain through Tech-Innovation 15
2.3.3 YSR Sampurna Poshana application 16
2.3.4 Strengthening Food Commodities Supply Chain Management (FCSCM) 17
2.3.5 Engaging Sakhi Mandals SHG 18 xvi
2.4 Product Formulation 19
2.4.1 THR for normal beneficiaries 20
2.4.2 THR for moderate and severe acute malnourished beneficiaries 26
2.5 Quality Assurance and Quality Control 31
2.5.1 Quality control 32
2.5.2 Quality enforcement 34
2.6 Packaging and Labelling 36
2.6.1 Packaging of THR products 37
2.6.2 Labelling on packets 38
2.7 Monitoring 39
2.7.1 Real time monitoring 40
2.7.2 Community participation in monitoring 41
2.8 Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) 43
2.8.1 Use of color-coded flyers for improved complementary feeding practices 44
2.8.2 Community based events 44
2.8.3 Training of AWW and SHGs on nutrition 45
2.8.4 IEC material focusing changing behavior pattern 45
2.8.5 Awareness about nutritional content of traditional and local food 45
2.8.6 Message through digital platform 46
3. Way Forward...............................................................................................................49
4. Annexures....................................................................................................................53
Annexure I: Take-Home Ration in various States/UTs 54
Annexure II:
(i) State/UTs-wise list of Directors ICDS and Nodal Officers, Poshan Gyan Portal 61
(ii) List of Resource Persons for various good practices adopted by States/UTs 65 xvii Executive Summary
To ensure basic nutrition, health, better work potential, and productivity, the
Government of India has launched several measures. One such scheme is the
Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). The Supplementary Nutrition
Programme (SNP) under ICDS aims to fill the gap in nutrition amongst children
under six years of age as well as pregnant and lactating women. SNP is delivered
through two modalities – Hot-Cooked Meal at Anganwadi Centers and Take-Home
Ration (THR). THR may be delivered in the form of raw ingredients or pre-cooked
packets.
An analysis of THR models in various States and Union Territories (UTs) is
extremely important to improve and formalize the good practices and to
accelerate improvement in the THR value chain. The gaps and deficiencies in
various models need to be identified to find better solutions and bring efficacy.
This document is an effort to collate and present the various improvisations
adopted in the implementation of the THR value chain, from formulations to
last-mile delivery, by the States and UTs.
Procurement: This section highlights various good practices related to procurement
adopted by various States and UTs. For instance, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Telangana,
Chandigarh, and Mizoram are procuring THR products through e-tendering for
maintaining fair play and transparency.
Production model: Decentralized production model increases efficiency for last-
mile delivery of THR to beneficiaries, besides boosting local economies and
generating livelihoods. In Kerala, Amrutham-Nutrimix THR is produced by WSHGs
through a decentralized approach. In Odisha, WSHGs are responsible for each
of the processes from procurement to the production of the products within
Executive Summary xviii
defined time limits. In Karnataka, THR is produced by Mahila Supplementary Food
Production Centers (MSPCs) led by Women Self-help groups.
Product formulation: The THR product must be healthful and enriched with enough
ingredients to meet the nutritional requirements of the intended beneficiaries.
In Madhya Pradesh, fortified Khichdi premix is made with smaller particles for
greater palatability and lower rancidity-causing raw components for increased
acceptability. In Kerala, THR is supplemented with 11 micronutrients (vitamins,
and minerals). The YSR Sampoorna Poshana scheme in Andhra Pradesh provides
milk and eggs. Beneficiaries in Haryana receive fortified sweetened flavored milk.
The goal is to ensure that the target population accepts and consumes the
product. Because of India’s variety, the product must be customized to cater to
local circumstances. The Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh,
Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana,
and Uttarakhand are providing varied THR menu options to boost acceptability
and provide additional choices among recipients. Increased THR quantity, ready-
to-eat snacks, enriched THR with extra protein, fat, and eggs, and ready-to-eat
therapeutic meals are used for MAM/SAM children.
Quality assurance and quality control: Gujarat has implemented inspections
throughout the production process at the Amul THR factory to improve the
quality of THR. Once the product enters the Anganwadi centres, third-party
laboratories gather random samples. Telangana has a quality control department
that inspects the food. In Odisha, payments to WSHGs are withheld in the event
of non-compliance with quality requirements, while in Rajasthan, the contract
with the SHG is annulled. THR samples are delivered to the regional food testing
laboratory of the Mizoram Food and Nutrition Board for analysis, confirming that
the THR product meets national standards.
Packaging and labelling: The THR packaging provides a good opportunity to
share all information related to the THR product. In Odisha, color-coded packets
are distributed, capturing key messages on the importance of breastfeeding. In
Jharkhand, the THR is distributed in daily serve size packets. THR packets in
Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh include instructions on product
preparation.
Monitoring: To ensure effectiveness of the programme, it is critical to monitor
its execution. Jharkhand has adopted a real-time monitoring approach using call
centres. In Odisha, community-level monitoring is institutionalized through the
formation of Mothers Committees (MC) at each Anganwadi Centre and Jaanch
Committees (JC) at each revenue village. Telangana Foods has a Nutrition Council xix Executive Summary
that meets twice a year. It also has an executive committee, which convenes
every quarter, oversees regular THR production operations. In Himachal Pradesh,
an Anganwadi-level Monitoring and Support Committee is formed comprising of
members of Pachayati Raj Institution, SHGs, local teachers, and health workers
for the purpose of monitoring.
Supply chain management: Supply chain management is an important component
of the THR value chain. Odisha has adopted the Mo-Chhatua software application
and management information system to streamline supply chain management.
Similarly, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Telangana have opted for technological
solutions.
Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC): For any initiative to have
an impact, information, education and communication (IEC) play a pivotal role.
Several state governments have designed IEC material showcasing the importance
of THR. It includes flyers, flip-books, folk media campaigns, and digital platforms
of IVR, and whats app chatbot.
The good practices collated in this booklet will help the States and UTs to learn
about and adopt innovations in the Supplementary Nutrition Programme. The
improvement of the THR value chain will aid in increasing efficiency and ensuring
THR delivery to the beneficiaries. BACKGROUND AND
METHODOLOGY1 2
BACKGROUND AND METHODOLOGY
The National Nutrition Mission (NNM), popularly known as POSHAN Abhiyaan
(Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment), has recently
placed a renewed focus on the supplementary nutrition provided under the
Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme. The Supplementary
Nutrition Programme (SNP) under ICDS was conceptualized in order to fill the
gap in nutrition among children under the age of six years as well as pregnant
and lactating women (PLW). SNP is delivered to more than 9 crore beneficiaries
registered at Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) through two modalities – Hot-Cooked
Meal (HCM) and Take Home Ration (THR). The THR programme aims to provide
supplementary food products to children aged 6 to 36 months, and to pregnant
and lactating women, for use in their homes. The THR programme takes up
a major share of the ICDS budget with the Central and State Governments
spending more than ₹ 13,500 crore (about $2 billion) annually on it.
1
Given the
programme’s broad reach across most communities in the country, and since
it targets beneficiaries within the crucial first 1000-day window of opportunity,
it is important that policymakers strive to improve nutrition for the millions of
beneficiaries who consume THR
The THR provided through the ICDS is more important than ever before – the
COVID-19 pandemic disrupted food systems across the country, reducing individual
dietary diversity and impacting household food security. THR represents an
opportunity to deliver fortified, nutritious, non-perishable food that goes beyond
simply providing calories. By strengthening THR programme, the growth and
development of children and pregnant and lactating women can be supported.
The national momentum around POSHAN Abhiyaan provides a great opportunity
for State/UTs to re-imagine and strengthen their THR systems. However, for this
to happen, it is important to guide the State/UTs towards good practices and
innovations on various aspects of the THR system.
THR VALUE CHAIN
ProcurementMonitoring
Production
Model
Product
formulation
Packaging and
labeling
Quality control/
Quality
AssuranceSBCC
Supply Chain
Management
Figure 1. THR Value Chain
1 Union Expenditure budget, Ministry of Women and Child Development FY 2015-16 to FY 2020-21. Available
online at: https://www.indiabudget.gov.in.Last accessed on 23 November 2020. 3 Background and Methodology
With this effect, NITI Aayog and the UN World Food Programme are continuing
their collaboration around THR by focusing on the review and documentation of
innovative and good practices across the value chain starting from procurement
of raw materials to distribution and consumption (Figure 1).
METHODOLOGY
The following approach was adopted for documentation of good practices:
1. Established criteria for documentation of good practices.
2. Conducted a literature review of documents and case studies available
in the public domain.
3. Contacted all States and UTs to learn of their THR practices.
4. Mapped the results according to the components of the value chain.
For each component of value chain, criteria for documentation of good practice
were identified and defined by NITI Aayog and WFP, as presented in Table 1.
Table 1. Components of the THR value chain and criteria for documenting
good practices
S. No. Value chain componentCriteria
1 Procurement
Transparency
Government contracting
2 Production model
Decentralized model
THR quality
Community involvement
Sustainability
Timely delivery
Women empowerment
3 Supply Chain Management
Mobile application and web portal
Tech-Innovation- delivery management system
App based tracking supply of commodities
4 Product formulation
Aligned to national and global guidelines on
energy density, fat, protein
Fortification
Dietary diversity
Formulations for Severely Acute Malnourished 4
5
Quality assurance/
Quality control
Quality checks
Random and independent testing
Frequency of checks
Corrective actions
6 Packaging and Labelling
Innovative packaging
Informative labelling conveying messages on
nutrition
7 Monitoring
Real time monitoring
Use of technology
Regularity and frequency of reviews
Transparency
Community involvement
8
Social and Behaviour Change
Communication (SBCC)
Link with THR product and nutrition of children
While identifying good and innovative practices, it was prudent to focus on those
which are implemented at scale and have demonstrated sustainability over a
period of time, rather than focus on those which were pilot projects and did not
lend themselves to scale-up. GOOD PRACTICES
ADOPTED BY THE
STATES/UTs2 6
2.1 PROCUREMENT
State governments contract either private or public-sector companies or Women’s
Self-Help Groups (WSHGs) for the procurement of THR to ICDS beneficiaries.
Given the huge amounts of funds used, it is important that the suppliers are
selected based on a transparent and well-defined method. While reviewing the
various ways in which the state governments are contracting different suppliers,
good and innovative practices are identified.
GoI Guidelines
2,3
As per Operational Guidelines of 2013, fair and average quality of rice and wheat
should be lifted from the FCI godown. The officer lifting should ensure that
the grains are of good quality and if there is any doubt, the higher authorities
should be informed immediately. Other ingredients which may be required, such
as bengal gram, sugar, jaggery, groundnut, etc., should be purchased from the
local market and should be of good quality, have ISI mark, etc.
The responsibility of the SHG/producer selected for the processing and supply
of THR is to procure quality ingredients as per the specification by the State
Government or as laid under the regulations. A procurement plan should be
prepared to have an undisturbed supply of THR to the AWCs, which should
be based on the indent from the AWCs. It must also be ensured that:
No raw material or ingredient thereof should be accepted by an
establishment if it is known to contain parasites, undesirable micro-
organisms, pesticides, veterinary drugs or toxic items, decomposed or
extraneous substances, which would not be reduced to an acceptable
level by normal sorting and/or processing.
In addition, the raw materials, food additives, and ingredients, wherever
applicable, should conform to the regulations laid down under the
FSSAI Act 2006 and Regulations 2011.
Records of raw materials and ingredients as well as their source of
procurement should be maintained in a register for inspection.
Under the ‘Procedure for Procurement’, stipulated under the said Guidelines,
the State/UT must introduce transparent processes for procurement as per
General Financial Rules 2017 and vigilance guidelines and ensure that Take-
Home-Ration (not raw ration) procured conforms to technical and nutritional
standards set by MoWCD.
3
2 Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India.Operational Guidelines for Food Safety and
Hygiene in ICDS.F. No. 5(25)/2010/ND-Tech Pt. dated 24
th
December 2013.https://wcd.nic.in/sites/default/files/
merged_document_3
3 Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. Streamlining Guidelines on Quality Assurance,
Roles and Responsibilities of Duty Holders, procedure for procurement, integrating AYUSH concepts and Data
Management and Monitoring through ‘Poshan Tracker’ for transparency, efficiency and accountability in delivery
of Supplementary Nutrition. 573479/2021/PM. No...CD –I-24/2/2021-US (e- 90701) .Dated 13th January, 2021. 7 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
2.1.1 Procurement through e-tendering (Delhi, Tamil Nadu)
In comparison to the old paper based method, electronic tendering (e-tendering)
is a process for sending and receiving tenders by electronic means. It automates
the complete procurement process right from tender preparation to purchase
order, invoicing and electronic payment. E-tendering streamlines the procurement
process and brings in complete transparency. Some of the States and union
territories that are using e-tendering for procurement are given below:
a. In Delhi, the Department of Women & Child Development uses an
e-tendering website (https://govtprocurement.delhi.gov.in/nicgep/
app) for empanelment of SHGs, Mahila Mandals, Village Communities,
Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), voluntary organizations, and
manufacturers to supply ready-to-eat THR for use in the State.
b. In accordance with rules laid out under Tamil Nadu Transparency in
Tenders Act 1998 and Tamil Nadu Transparency in Tenders Rules 2000
the state of Tamil Nadu provides eggs to the children in the age group of
1 to 6 years, pregnant and lactating mothers as Take Home Ration under
the supplementary nutrition programme of ICDS. The state invites open
tenders at all India level which is done in e-tendering mode (http://www.
tenderrs.tn.gov.in/website).
2.1.2 Procurement based on quality parameters (Telangana)
Quality is an important factor during procurement. The procurement process
presents an opportunity to assure that quality requirements are met or exceeded.
Ensuring an effective quality during procurement reduces the risks of sourcing
substandard and subsequent deterioration, thereby potentially reducing the
incidence of product complaints and recalls, financial losses, and most important,
the risk. Since procurement is essentially all-about sourcing, vendors, and suppliers,
having a pool of higher-quality vendors provides a major competitive advantage.
Through the e-tendering software, this pool of vendors still has to compete for
bids.
Women Development & Child Welfare (WDCW) Department, Telangana follows a
transparent online e-tendering system at tender.telangana.gov.in, for procurement
of commodities like milk, red gram, egg, and oil and Balamrutham from the
State-owned Telangana Oil Federation and Telangana Foods, respectively. Rice
is procured through the State Civil Supplies Corporation through the e-PoS
(electronic Point of Sale) system of Fair Price Shops located at all villages.
(https://tfoods.telangana.gov.in/AboutProductionWing.aspx). 8
a. Milk: Milk is procured under the State’s flagship Arogya Laxmi programme,
wherein 200 ml of milk is provided to pregnant women and lactating
mothers for 30 days in a month. The milk is procured through the online
e-tendering platform (tender.telangana.gov.in) of the Government of
Telangana, specifying quality and nutritional parameters for milk. One
unique approach adopted by the WDCW Department is that only co-
operative dairy federations are allowed to participate in the tender, which
ensures that the farmer communities are directly benefitted.
b. Eggs: WDCW Department, Telangana adopts a decentralized and
transparent approach for procurement of eggs under ICDS wherein tenders
are called for procurement of eggs through an e-tendering system by each
district. A District-level Purchase Committee (DPC) is formed under the
chairmanship of the Joint/Additional Collector and District Welfare Officer
(ICDS). The DPC of each district floats the tender for egg procurement.
Tenders are valid for a period of one year, after which fresh tenders are
called for. Only poultry farmers having poultry units in the respective
districts, as certified by the Animal Husbandry Department, Telangana,
and registered under NECC (National Egg Coordination Committee) are
eligible to participate in these tenders of those districts. Traders and egg
aggregators are not eligible to participate in these tenders. This not only
enables ICDS to procure fresh farm eggs that can be made readily available,
but also benefits the local poultry farmers allowing them to scale up their
production to meet the ICDS’ demand for eggs within their district. This
practice was initiated in 2015, and is being followed since then.
c. Red Gram: Telangana follows transparent process in procurement of
pulses like Red gram through a transparent e-tendering/e-procurement
platform of Govt. of Telangana tender.telangana.gov.in, in accordance
to the guidelines established by the Women Development & Child
Welfare Department, Telangana. An electronic tender is called specifying
the guidelines on quality and other specifications. Superior quality of
indigenous red gram variety SPLIT FOTKA SORTEX is procured through
the tendering process in 1 kg laminated pouch packaging. These packages
are disbursed to all Anganwadi centers as per their monthly requirements.
2.1.3 Procurement through Non-Profit Organisation (Chandigarh)
In UT of Chandigarh, 450 AWCs are functional. Four non-profit organizations
have been engaged through e-tenders to provide THR to the beneficiaries of
350 Anganwadi centers. Prison department (model jail Chandigarh) is providing
THR to the beneficiaries of the remaining 100 Anganwadi centers. 9 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
2.2 PRODUCTION MODEL
States/UTs across the country follow different models for the production of THR
for ICDS. In the centralized production modality, one or more production facilities
are contracted by the state to procure raw ingredients, produce, and distribute
THR for the entire State/UT. The contracted production facility may be a state-
run entity or a private one. In the decentralized production modality, the THR
production facilities are run by local agencies like the Women WSHGs.
4
When
reviewing the various ways in which the state governments are contracting these
different suppliers for blended THR production, a decentralized production model
involving SHGs stood out as having good practices.
GoI Guidelines
5
The Supplementary Nutrition (under the Integrated Child Development
Services Scheme) Rules, 2017:
Rule 9 of the SNP Rules, 2017 provides for engagement of Self-Help Groups
(SHGs), and ensures supply and quality of Supplementary Nutrition through
them.
6
Hon’ble Supreme Court Order dated 07.10.2004 and 26.02.2019
4
The Supreme Court of India vide order dated 07.10.2004 directed that
contractor shall not be used for supply of nutrition in AWCs, and preferably
ICDS funds shall be utilized by making use of village communities, SHGs, and
Mahila Mandals for buying of grains and preparation of meals. Further vide
order dated 26.02.2019, the Hon’ble Supreme Court directed that THR supply
should be decentralized as much as possible, as it is not for the big players/
industrialists in the field to cater to the needs of the Scheme.
4 Hon’ble Supreme Court of India judgement of 2004 related to decentralization of THR production.WP
No.196/2001-PUCL Vs. &Ors.
5 The Supplementary Nutrition (under the Integrated Child Development Services Scheme) Rules, 2017 Published
vide Notifications No. G.S.R. 149(E), dated 20
th
February 2017.Supreme Court of India. Writ Petition (Civil)
No196/2001.Supreme Court of India.Civil Appeal No (S).2336 of 2019.
6 The Supplementary Nutrition (under the Integrated Child Development Services Scheme) Rules, 2017 Published
vide Notifications No. G.S.R. 149(E), dated 20
th
February, 2017. 10
2.2.1 Decentralized production model involving WSHGs
The decentralized production model promotes income generating activities,
empowers poor women by enabling them to become active earners, improves
THR access in rural areas and enhances community ownership of THR production.
The following decentralized models have delivered good results.
i. Local production of THR by WSHGs of Kudumbshree mission in Kerala
ii. THR Production through WSHGs with fixed time periods for each of the
processes in Odisha
iii. THR production by Mahila Supplementary Food Production Centers
(MSPCs) led by Women Self-help groups in Karnataka
(i) Local production of THR by Women SHGs of Kudumbashree Mission
(Kerala)
In Kerala, the local Nutrimix powder THR has been produced by WSHGs since
2007. Each WSHG involved in the production of THR is equipped with machinery
to do so. These WSHGs are part of the Kudumbashree Mission (KDM), which has
been a running viable women entrepreneurship project since 1999. THR production
through this decentralized model works well in Kerala because of supporting
local government along with a focus on financial viability for the WSHGs – a key
element contributing to the WSHG motivation and involvement.
7
Figure 2: Local Production of THR by Women SHG in Kerala
7 Guideline for Decentralized Production and Distribution of Supplementary Nutrition by Community-based
Enterprises in Kerala https://www.kudumbashree.org/storage/cmspages/downloads/1345721991_The%20
Amrutham%20Nutrimix%20Consortium.pdf 11 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
Governance of THR Production Ecosystem
Favourable governance elements include:
Well-established systems and processes for every aspect of production.
District-level consortia for procurement of raw materials: Excellent
coordination at the ground-level exists between the Department of
Women and Child Development, Kudumbashree Mission production units,
and the Department of Local Self-Government.
Focus on constant enhancement and capacity building of the WSHGs
through regular training programmes to improve skills of the women
participants.
Financing and sustainability
Seamless and timely reimbursement to the WSHGs for the THR produced.
Model is sustainable and profitable, with each participating woman earning
reportedly around ₹600 /day.
(ii) THR production through Women SHGs with fixed time periods for
each of the processes (Odisha)
The WSHGs participating in the production of THR are selected at the district
level based on objective criterion prescribed in the guidelines with support from
other relevant government stakeholders.
8
On an average, every block in Odisha
has more than two THR units managed by WSHGs. The WSHGs are responsible
for local procurement of raw materials while wheat used in THR is procured from
the FCI godowns. All WSGs have the necessary equipment for the production
of THR, required FSSAI food license, etc. There are fixed timelines for the entire
THR process from indent to distribution, which therefore makes monitoring easy.
The indent for production of THR is received by the 10
th
of every month by the
WSHGs, which is then followed by procurement of all raw materials while several
processes with regard to production are completed between the 17
th
and 29
th
of
the month.
(iii) THR production by Mahila Supplementary Food Production Centers
(MSPCs) led by Women Self-help groups (Karnataka)
Mahila Supplementary Food Production Centers (MSPC) registered under
Society Act are supplying food commodities to AWCs of the state under the
8 Revised Guidelines for implementation of Take Home Ration, 2018 - Supplementary Nutrition Programme of
ICDS and Scheme for Adolescent Girls http://wcdodisha.gov.in/Application//uploadDocuments/content/Guide_
Lines_for_THR_and_HCM.pdf 12
Supplementary Nutrition Programme of ICDS. Each MSPCs consists of women
members ranging from 22-25 from the most vulnerable sections of the society.
At present, 137 MSPCs have been established in the State as per the directive of
Hon’ble Supreme Court at the project level and these MSPCs are responsible for
production and distribution of Nutri mix (Pusti) and raw ration to the Anganawadi
Centres through the CDPOs. The MSPCs procure the raw materials (apart from
rice, wheat and oil which is procured through FCI and Karnataka Cooperative
Oilseed Growers Federation Limited-KOF) locally, to prepare the food SNP and
supply these to the Anganawadi Centers as per the indent of the CDPOs. Through
MSPC ware house, the commodities are sent to Anganwadi center. Rice and wheat
are procured from FCI, oil from KOF, and milk from Karnataka Milk Federation.
MSPCs purchase other commodities like, bengal gram, green gram, soya, ragi,
jawar, sugar, jaggery, salt, groundnuts, cardamom, masai powder, wheat rava, etc.
depending on the district menu. MSPCs prepare Nutri mix powder (Pusti), which
is given to children below the age group of 3 yrs. Every district has its own menu
which is decided by the Deputy Commissioner of the districts in consultation with
nutritionists and officers from DWCD and Health Department keeping in mind to
meet the calories and protein value as per the guidelines of GOI. 13 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
2.3 SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
Supply chain management is an important and complex process within the ICDS
scheme. By utilizing technological advancements in supply chain management,
it can be ensured that there are open lines of communication and data analysis
throughout the chain, which increases transparency and efficiency in the scheme.
GoI Guidelines
9
Supply chain process in the States must be made transparent for functionaries
to ensure uninterrupted supply to the last mile, which are compliant with FSSAI
registration-licensing process for entities involved in manufacture, storage and
distribution of food to ensure food safety and hygiene.
(a) At District Level:
The District Magistrate shall be the Nodal Point in the district for monitoring
nutrition at status and quality standards. The DM/Collector shall chair, supervise
and monitor the activities of the District Nutrition Committee. Nutrition Experts
suggested in District Committee have to be mandatorily certified nutrition
experts. The Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) who is responsible for
administration and implementation of nutrition and ICDS projects, shall carry
out major responsibilities as follows under the supervision of the DM/Collector:
coordinate and evaluate deliveries in the district as a Key Performance
indicator of the DM/Collector for nutritional improvement of beneficiaries,
specially SAM/MAM children;
undertake overall administration and coordination of the nutrition
project and ensure smooth and effective delivery of all intended
services in the project jurisdiction;
conduct periodic monitoring including surprise spot-checks, draw
samples for quality testing of supplementary nutrition (THR and HCM)
provided, ensure adequate measures for food safety and hygiene
are followed throughout the supply chain, assess the quality of pre-
school delivery etc., to ensure quality and undertake necessary course
correction;
monitor distribution of necessary stocks for delivery of key services;
9 Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. Streamlining Guidelines on Quality Assurance,
Roles and Responsibilities of Duty Holders, procedure for procurement, integrating AYUSH concepts and Data
Management and Monitoring through ‘Poshan Tracker’ for transparency, efficiency and accountability in delivery
of Supplementary Nutrition. 573479/2021/PM. No...CD –I-24/2/2021-US (e- 90701) .Dated 13th January, 2021. 14
participate in the VHSND meetings, community-based events, Jon
Andolan activities etc. to motivate field functionaries and beneficiaries;
facilitate preparation of Block Convergence Action Plan and its
implementation;
conduct Joint Field Visits with Medical Officer (MD) and Joint Review
Meetings on monthly basis, especially with regards to SAM children;
ensure collation of monthly progress reports for the District and share
with the State;
when visiting AWCs, CDPO must conduct home-visits for pregnant
women, new-born and infants crossing 6-months and undertake
age-appropriate nutrition counselling, to train and demonstrate the
importance of home visits and counselling to AWWs and motivate
them to undertake regular home visits.
(b) At State Level:
Nutrition requires convergence of various services that contribute to improved
nutritional status. This requires strong and effective multi-department convergent
efforts and actions to address malnutrition. Therefore, Chief Secretary of the
States/UTs should coordinate the activities of various departments through
a State Level Steering Committee to ensure effective convergence between
various schemes/programs having bearing on nutrition and review the progress
made regarding Nutritional indicators on regular basis.
Secretaries of different departments may assess how their schemes/programs
can positively impact nutrition levels and also how POSHAN Abhiyaan can be
supported to build awareness and create Jan Andolon around nutrition.
(c) ln Village:
Involvement of AWC Level Management Committees, village communities,
Mothers Groups, and Panchayati Raj institutions (Poshan Panchayats) will bring
community ownership and encourage accountability.
2.3.1 Mo-Chhatua Management Information System (MIS
(Odisha)
In Odisha, SHGs are producing THR at their respective plants for respective ICDS
projects under a decentralized production model. The complete cycle consists
of different steps, starting from indenting to the procurement of raw materials, 15 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
manufacturing, packaging, supply, and payment. In 2019, Mo-chhatua (an end-to-
end supply chain management system) was inaugurated using mobile application
and web portal. This is helping the department in tracking the status at different
stages starting from indenting and manufacturing to supply and payment updates.
The Mo-chhatua software and mobile app are made for SHG members (app), ICDS
supervisors (app), CDPO, DSWO, district collector, and State officials (web). This
system works on a near real-time method and enables each level to take proper
and timely steps towards the supply of THR to AWC beneficiaries. This also helps
to monitor the fixed-day approach of THR production and delivery system by
respective CDPOs and other department officials. A comprehensive dashboard
on THR manufacturing and distribution process helps the decision-maker at each
level to take corrective measures and suggest interventions.
2.3.2 PuShTI– Poshan Umbrella for Supply Chain through
Tech-Innovation (Gujarat)
The Government of Gujarat has developed a platform called PuSHTI– a Delivery
Management System for THR with the objectives of increasing responsibility
(leveraging the Digital India platform), transparency (for good governance), and
sensitivity and efficiency (in processes) of their THR programme.
Key features of software include:
1. Transparency in demand and supply for THR across AWCs
2. OTP-based / photo upload-based verification of THR received at the AWC
3. Seamless payment processes
4. Timely and regular supply, with doorstep delivery of THR to the beneficiary
The basic process flow for data entry, information, and delivery of THR to the
AWC is summarized below:
By the 3
rd
of every month, submission of THR demand by the AWW
By the 5
th
of every month, verification and approval of the demand by
the CDPO
By the 12
th
of every month, verification by the Programme Officer (PO)
in the online portal
By the 15
th
day of the month, verification and finalization of work order
to Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. (GCMMF)
By 17
th
day of the next month, GCMMF supplies THR to all AWWs 16
On 4
th
of the forthcoming month (Annavitaran Diwas) of each month,
THR is distributed to beneficiaries.
Release of payment to GCMMF based on confirmation receipt from AWW
2.3.3 YSR Sampurna Poshana application (Andhra Pradesh)
The Department of Women Development & Child Welfare (WDCW), Government
of Andhra Pradesh has developed smartphone-based software named ‘YSR
Sampoorna Poshana’. The software enables to track receipt of multiple aspects of
THR – provided under YSRSP scheme as well as Balamrutham, thereby preventing
leakages during delivery of THR. The data entry, processing, and validation are
done as follows:
1. Data entry by AWWs for number of beneficiaries registered in the AWC,
across different categories; updating of information is done every month
2. Development of estimates for quantity of THR, to be procured each month
based on the available information on number of beneficiaries, followed
by the development of budgetary estimates (cross-validation with data
received from e-Sadhana software (https://wdcw.ap.gov.in/Esadhana.html)
on the estimated current stock available with a beneficiary.)
3. Receipt of requirement by impaneled producers and suppliers registered
with the Government of Andhra Pradesh (e.g. milk supplier, egg supplier,
Balamrutham etc.)
4. Direct delivery of the required quantity of raw materials by each individual
supplier to the AWC
5. Confirmation of receipt of the required quantity of raw material stocks by
the AWW via data entry in the app (biometric authentication is expected
to be updated soon)
6. Verification of the quantity of THR received at the AWC by the Lady
Supervisor, followed by cross-validation by CDPO/PO
7. Payment release for district-based raw material suppliers (eggs) released
by District Collector/Magistrate, upon receipt of confirmation of delivery
8. For State-empanelled suppliers of THR (Balamrutham, milk, etc.), payment
release is enabled by State-Level Officer via the Comprehensive Financial
Management System (CFMS) mechanism, upon receipt of confirmation
from District Programme Officer. 17 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
2.3.4 Strengthening Food Commodities Supply Chain
Management (FCSCM) – Online First Contact Resolution
and Mobile Application (Telangana)
An online web application called Online First Contact Resolution (FCR) has been
developed for tracking the supply of commodities and is in use since 2017. This
mobile app with biometric authentication which is AADHAAR linked was introduced
to curb diversions and irregularities in commodity supply. Different commodities
supplied by WD&CW dept. like eggs, milk, red gram, Balamrutham, murukulu
(snack food), and oil are being supplied to AWCs through Telangana State –
Commodities Supply Chain Management System (TS CSMS) App. Through this
software application, above commodities are supplied to the doorstep of AWCs
through a biometric device that is AADHAR-linked. Likewise, Rice is supplied
to Anganwadi centres through an electronic indenting and supply management
system e-PoS, in coordination with the Civil Supplies Dept. of Govt. of Telangana.
The application allows automated indent calculation for all AWCs based on
requirements and availability of balances at AWCs. With an automated indent
management system, indents for all commodities are placed centrally at the
Directorate level by the 5
th
of every month and indent reports are made available
online to all suppliers. Supplies for a given month are made between the 7
th
and
30
th
of the month by the suppliers. The live delivery status can be tracked by
ICDS functionaries through a web portal. The App also maintains the details of
opening and closing balances at all 35,700 AWCs in the State, which helps in
indenting the correct requirement and also helps in prioritizing AWCs that need
immediate food supply in the distribution route.
The AWW/AWH (Anganwadi helper) is required to provide her thumb impression
to the supplier and obtain the supplies. An online delivery report is generated
after the biometric authentication by the AWW/AWH and payment is made. This
prevents any leakages or malpractices in supply of commodities to the AWCs.
Further, Department of Women and Child Development, Telangana has roped in
the Cargo Unit under the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) for
supply and logistics of THR commodities. Under this programme, the State RTC
transports commodities like oil, Balamrutham, and Murukulu (snack food) directly
to the AWCs. The drivers of TSRTC collect the biometric validation from the
AWW/AWH, thereby completing the delivery of THR commodities and ensuring
an efficient supply chain from production point till the doorstep of the AWC. 18
Figure 3: Biometric authenticated supply of THR
2.3.5 Engaging Sakhi Mandals SHG (Jharkhand)
Engaging sakhi mandals SHG for distribution of THR has witnessed multiple
benefits for the individual and community at large. Currently, approximately
29,342 women from local communities, who are SHG members, and 4,583
village organizations have been engaged and are managing the entire THR
supply chain process in Jharkhand. It is important to mention that the SHG
members have become a role model, as they not only procure raw materials
at well negotiated rates from local vendors, but they also manage logistics and
packaging of THR while ensuring smooth supply of THR packets to AWCs for
further distribution to the beneficiaries. The THR that is supplied to respective
AWCs as per the requirement following the chartered route map are distributed
by the AWWs during the Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Day (VHSND).
10
The SHG members in the community, through informal communication, inform the
beneficiaries about the distribution of THR packets, which in turn has contributed
to increased community participation in the VHSND.
10 The Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Day (VHSND) has been conceptualized as a community-level
strategy connecting the community and health systems and facilitating convergent actions. It attempts to bring
health, early childhood development, nutrition, and sanitation services to the doorstep and promote community
engagement for improved health and wellbeing (https://nhm.gov.in/New_Updates_2018/NHM_Components/
RMNCHA/CH/Guidelines/National_Guidelines_on_VHSND_English_High_Res_Print_ready.pdf ). 19 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
2.4 PRODUCT FORMULATION
The THR products are distributed during key physiological periods of life when
nutritional requirements are high, and if they possess right nutritional composition,
they can play an important role in preventing malnutrition and improving
pregnancy outcomes.
Of the variety in THR product formulation among States/UTs, examples of good
practices have been selected based on the criteria under the ICDS norms for
energy and proteins, globally defined norms for products meant for infants and
young children, and the World Health Organization (WHO) norms on nutrition
for pregnant and lactating women.
GoI Guidelines.
11
National -The National Food Security Act, 2013 and the Supplementary
Nutrition rules, 2017 have in place calorie and protein norms for THR. The
nutritional standards for children in the age groups of 6 months to 3 years,
3 to 6 years (severely underweight), and pregnant women and lactating
mothers are required to be met by providing THR are as follows:
Children aged 6 months to 3 years: Food supplement of 500 calories
of energy and 12–15 grams of protein per child per day
Severely underweight children aged 6–72 months: Food supplement of
800 calories of energy and 20–25 grams of protein per child per day
Pregnant women and lactating mothers: Food supplement of 600
calories of energy and 18–20 grams of proteins per person per day
Further, the guidelines issued in 2009 by the Ministry of Women & Child
Development allowed for fortification of the supplementary nutrition upto 50
percent of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) level per beneficiary
per day
Under this section, good practices on Product formulation have been listed under
two sets of criteria:
2.4.1 THR for normal beneficiaries
2.4.2 THR for moderate & severely acute malnourished beneficiaries
11 Revised Nutritional and Feeding Norms for Supplementary Nutrition in ICDS scheme, Feb, 2009 https://wcd.nic.
in/sites/default/files/univ_icds5.pdf 20
2.4.1 THR for normal beneficiaries
i. Enriched THR prepared through fortification
a. Fortified THR with 50% RDA (Madhya Pradesh)
The Madhya Pradesh is producing THR products that meet most of the national
and global standards.
Khichdi premix is served to children aged 6-36 months. The product is made up
of fortified rice, roasted soya flour, moong dal, spices, and refined vegetable oils
and fortified with Iron, folate, zinc (50% RDA); Vitamins B6, B12, and D (50%
RDA). The product has improved palatability by reducing the size of particles and
increased acceptability by reducing rancidity-causing raw materials.
12
(Table 2, 3)
Table 2. THR product formulation in Madhya Pradesh
THR
product
Ingredients Quantity
Per day
consumption
Frequency of
distribution
Weight of 1
packet
Khichdi
premix
Fortified rice 70.50g
150gm
6 days in a
week
900gm
Soya flour21g
Moong daal37g
Spices 3g
Refined vegetable oil 15ml
Table 3. RDA (%) contribution from Khichdi Premix
THR
product
Energy-
dense
Protein
content
Ingredients
Sugar
content
Fat
content
Fortificants
Khichdi
premix
Yes 14.3%
Fortified
rice + soya + pulses
0% 33%
Iron, folate, zinc
(50% RDA*);
Vitamins B6, B12,
and D (50% RDA)
*RDA: recommended dietary allowance
b. THR prepared by WSHGs fortified with 11 micronutrients, vitamins and
minerals (Kerala)
The several States/UTs, especially those sourcing THR through private or public
enterprises, already provide fortified products, but there are few examples of
fortified THR provision through decentralized production models. Therefore, the
good practice detailed out here refers to the integration of THR fortification by
WSHGs.
12 Source: Review of Take-Home Rations under the Integrated Child Development Services in India, World
Food Programme; 2019 https://www.wfp.org/publications/review-take-home-rations-under-integrated-child-
development-services-india 21 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
In Kerala, a nutritive powder is provided as THR locally known as Amrutham-
Nutrimix. It is a product prepared by WSHGs of Kudumbshree mission across the
State through 248, Nutrimix production units. This product includes 5 ingredients
viz. wheat-45g, sugar-20g, bengal gram-15g, soya chunks-10g, and groundnut
-10g per 100g of nutrimix. 135gm of nutrimix per day is provided to beneficiaries
which provide them 500kcal and 12-15 gm protein. Amrutham Nutrimix is fortified
with 11 micronutrients all over the State at 50% RDA for children aged 6-36
months. A NABL accredited laboratory is also on board to analyze the retention
of micronutrients in fortified Amrutham-Nutrimix.
13
(Table 4)
Table 4. Composition and attributes of Amrutham Nutrimix (Kerala)
THR
Product
IngredientsQuantity Fortification
Per day
consumption
Frequency
of
distribution
Weight
of 1
packet
Amrutham-
Nutrimix
Wheat 45g
11 micronutrients,
namely
Calcium, Iron,
Zinc, Vitamin
A, Thiamine,
Riboflavin,
Niacin, Vitamin
B6, Folic Acid,
Vitamin C, and
Vitamin B12, at
50 percent RDA
135g
Monthly
(7 packets)
500g
Soya
Chunks
10g
Bengal
gram
15g
Ground Nut 10g
Sugar 20g
c. Premix enriched with essential micronutrients (Gujarat)
In Gujarat ready to cook premix is provided to children 6-36 months, pregnant
ladies, lactating mothers, and adolescent girls. Bal Shakti premix for children is
made of wheat flour, soya flour, gram flour, sugar, oil. Matru Shakti pre-mix is for
pregnant ladies and lactating mothers and Purna Shakti pre-mix is for adolescent
girls. Both products are made of wheat flour, soya flour, maize flour, rice flour, gram
flour, sugar, and oil. All premixes are in dry form, energy-dense, and enriched with
essential micronutrients. The premixes are palatable and can even be consumed
with lukewarm water. The products have a shelf-life of 4 months. (Table 5)
13 https://sightandlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/THR-Compendium_A-Cluster-Model-in-Kerala.pdf 22
Table 5. Composition and attributes of Bal Shakti and Purna Shakti (Gujarat)
THR Product IngredientsQuantityFortification
Per day
consumption
Frequency of
distribution
Weight of
1 packet
Bal Shakti
(for Children)
Wheat flour 62g Iron, Vitamin
A, Calcium,
Thiamine,
Riboflavin,
Niacin,
Vitamin C and
Folic Acid at
50% RDA
125 g
Monthly
(7 packets)
500 g
Gram flour 6g
Soya flour 10g
Sugar 36g
Oil 11g
Purna Shakti
(for Adolescent
Girls)
Matru Shakti
(for Pregnant
& Lactating
Mothers)
Wheat 40g Iron, Vitamin
A,
Calcium,
Thiamine,
Riboflavin,
Niacin,
Vitamin C and
Folic Acid at
50% RDA
145 g
Monthly
(4 packets)
1000 g
Besan 4g
Soyabean
Flour
19g
Maize 19g
Rice 15g
Sugar 31g
Oil 17g
Figure 4: THR premixes: Balshakti, Matrushakti, Purnashakti 23 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
ii. Diverse THR products
a. Region Specific diverse Menu
Common feedback received from the ICDS THR beneficiaries is of monotony –that
they have been receiving the same product for years. This affects the acceptability
of the THR resulting in its limited use and diversion for consumption by the family,
other than the target beneficiary. Therefore, several States/UTs, now distribute
a variety of THRs, giving more choices to the beneficiary. A list of States/UTs
producing multiple blended products are outlined in Table 6.
Table 6. Region-specific diverse menu
StateProducts
Himachal Pradesh
Fortified Panjiri, Sweet dalia, Fortified wheat seviyan, Sprouted gram, Rice
rajma, Rice khichari, Namkeen dalia, Fortified wheat oats & Ajwain biscuits
Karnataka
Multi-grain nutri-mix, Milk ragi mix, Rice kheer mix ,Multi-grain payasam,
Groundnut green gram ladoo, Multi-grain ladoo
Madhya Pradesh
Khichdi premix, Halwa premix, Balahar premix, Sookha dalia, Atta besan
ladoo, Wheat soya barfi
Gujarat
Fortified premixes, wheat and pulse-based energy food –Balshakti for
children, Matru shakti for PLW, and Purna shakti for adolescent girls, fortified
milk with THR , fortified groundnut oil , satva (double-fortified salt –iron
and iodine) 1-kg packet / month for PLW and adolescent girls
Odisha
Eggs provided under THR to fulfill energy gaps and to improve quality of
protein, THR for suji halwa, groundnut, jaggery, and sesame chikki for PLW,
atta and besan ladoo/ Ragi and besan ladoo
Haryana
Micronutrient fortified panjiri, Refined fortified soyabean oil, Paushtik panjiri,
Fortified skimmed milk
Details of types of THR, per day consumption, frequency of distribution, number
of packets given, and weight of each packet in various States/UTs is given in
Annexure I.
b. Special Initiative for ‘Inclusion of Millets in THR (Chandigarh, Odisha)
i. Looking at the nutritive value of millets and to promote their use in daily
diet, the Union Territory of Chandigarh has taken an initiative to include
millets –jowar and bajra (as per season) in the THR. Bajra millet was
distributed from 16
th
December 2020 to 15
th
June 2021, and now jowar
millet is being distributed since 16
th
June 2021. The objective is to improve
the nutritional status of beneficiaries by providing them a healthy and
balanced diet and also revives the age-old traditional culture of millet
consumption. This was done by a dedicated supply chain through various
Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) who deliver the THR at various AWCs
in the UT of Chandigarh. 24
ii. Department of Odisha has introduced Ragi Ladoo in Keonjhar and
Sundergarh districts since July, 2020 as morning snacks for the pre-
school children (3-6 yrs) covered under ICDS. As the COVID protocols
are currently in place, pre-cooked ragi laddu mix is provided via home
delivery. The provisions are over and above the existing entitlements
under SNP. Premix for Ragi ladoo is prepared by the SHGs with technical
support from Millets Mission and is supplied to the AWCs for the supply
of Ladoo to the children. The core objective of the programme is to
improve the nutritional status of pre-school children and revive the age-
old traditional culture of millet consumption once prevalent among the
tribal communities of Keonjhar. The initiative has provided an additional
source of income to women’s SHGs, an assured price to farmers for Ragi
and a boost to local production of Ragi and other millets. With this historic
step, Keonjhar became the first district in the state to include millets
under ICDS. This is also a unique model in the country with decentralized
production, procurement, processing, supply and consumption of millets.
Taking into account, the successful implementation of the programme;
it is now proposed to scale up the programme in the District Mineral
Foundation (DMF) districts in the state.
c. Egg and Milk under THR (Andhra Pradesh, Haryana)
i. YSR Sampoorna Poshana Scheme: Under the YSR Sampoorna Poshana
Scheme in Andhra Pradesh, eggs and milk are provided to the beneficiaries.
(Tables 7)
Table 7. Provision of egg and milk for children 6-36 months under
YSR Sampoorna Poshana scheme
CommodityQty. per month
Balamrutham2.5 kg
Eggs25 nos.
Milk2.5 litres
ii. YSR Sampoorna Poshana Plus scheme- The beneficiaries in scheduled
and tribal sub-plan mandals across the state are being covered under
YSR Sampoorna Poshana Plus (+) Scheme. The state is providing egg
and milk to the beneficiaries. (Tables 8) 25 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
Table 8. Provision of egg and milk for children aged 6-36 months under YSR
Sampoorna Poshana Plus (+) scheme for scheduled and tribal sub-plan mandals
CommodityQty
Balamrutham2.5 kg
Eggs30 nos.
Milk6 litres
iii. Haryana is providing skimmed milk under Mukhya Mantri Doodh Uphaar
Yojna from State funds to improve the health and nutritional status of
children and mothers. Under the scheme, 200 ml of fortified skimmed
milk which is fortified with Vitamin D3 in six flavors such as rose, ellaichi,
chocolate, vanilla, butterscotch, and plain is being distributed for six days
a week to pregnant and lactating women and children 1-3 year. Flavored
milk is provided to avoid pilferage. The Fortified Sweetened Flavoured
Milk is being supplied through Haryana Dairy Development Cooperative
Federation (HDDCF) and Vita.
d. Special Initiative: (Ayush THR)
To improve the nutritional status, Gujarat state has taken an initiative of introducing
the value addition of the Ayush component in present THR for pregnant lactating
women and children under age group 6 months to 3 years. The product Balshakti
is value added with trikatu and vidang which control intestinal worms and
indigestion, improve appetite, help in weight gain and increase absorption of
nutrients. The product Matru Shakti is value added with jeera and musta which
improve appetite, help in weight gain, increase absorption of nutrients, prevent
oxidation stress in preeclampsia, reduce abdominal pain and fever. (Table 11)
Table 11. Value addition in THR product
Product Value AdditionBenefits
Bal Shakti + Trikatu & Vidang Control intestinal worms and indigestion
Improve appetite
Weight gain
Increase absorption of nutrients
Matru Shakti + Jeera & Musta Improve appetite
Weight gain
Increase absorption of nutrients
Prevent oxidation stress in preeclampsia
Abdominal pain relief
Reduce fever 26
Figure 5: Ayush THR: Value addition in THR product
2.4.2 THR for Moderate & Severe Acute Malnourished
beneficiaries
The children with Moderate & Severe Acute Malnourishment (MAM &SAM) require
more energy dense food as compared to children with normal nutritional status.
The food given to children with MAM & SAM should be sufficient to meet their
increased requirements of energy, protein and micronutrients. Different food items
under THR provided by different States/UTs for malnourished beneficiaries can
be categorized as:
i. Increased THR quantity for malnourished children
ii. Ready to Eat Snack prepared by SHGs
iii. Enriched THR with extra protein, fat, and eggs
iv. Ready-to-Eat Therapeutic Food for children
i. Increased THR quantity for malnourished children (Chhattisgarh,
Rajasthan, Bihar and Kerala)
In Chhattisgarh, all children aged 6–36 months are given ready-to-eat packets of
Shishu Shakti Ahaar as THR. All children in the normal category receive a 750-
gram packet of THR per week, while children with SAM in the same age group
receive a 1200-gram packet of THR per week. 27 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
In Rajasthan, children with normal nutritional status receive 4500g of THR every
month, while SAM children receive 6500g of THR. In Bihar, children in the Normal
and MAM categories in the age group 6months to 3 years receive rice (2.5kg), dal
(1.25kg), and eggs (8 nos.) or soyabean (500g); children in the SAM category (6
months to 3 years) receive rice (3.75kg), dal (1.75 kg), and eggs (12 nos.) or soya
bean (875g) every month. In Kerala, children (6 months-36 months) with normal
nutritional status receive 7 packets of 500g each nutritive powder monthly, while
severely underweight children receive double the quantity. In Gujarat, daily 125g
of Balshakti is given to normal beneficiaries as THR and for severely underweight
children, the THR quantity is 185g of Balshakti.
Figure 6: THR in Gujarat
ii. Ready to Eat Snack prepared by SHG (West Bengal)
In West Bengal, Ready to Eat (RTE) wheat-pulse mix is given to all identified
severely underweight children 6-59 months, including SAM. A pack of 480g is
given as weekly THR to each severely underweight/ SAM child to consume at
least 80g of the mix every day at home. The RTE mix is being prepared by
trained SHG clusters under the certification of FSSAI. (Table 12). 28
Table 12. Summary of Ready-to-Eat THR product for West Bengal
THR
Ingredients
and
composition
(per pack)
Frequency
of
distribution
Number
of
packets
given
Packet
weight
Consump
tion per
day
Available
composition
of ingredients
(per day)
Available
composition of
ingredients
(per 100 g)
Brand
name
of RTE
product:
‘Pushti’
(Poustik
Powder)
1. Roasted
wheat
flour:
228 g
2. Roasted
and
crushed
Bengal
gram:
108 g
3. Roasted
and
crushed
groundnut:
84 g
4. Sugar/
castor
sugar:
60 g
Weekly 1 480g 80 g 1. Roasted
wheat
flour: 38 g
2. Roasted
and
crushed
Bengal
gram: 18 g
3. Roasted
and
crushed
groundnut:
14 g
4. Sugar/
castor
sugar: 10 g
1. Roasted
wheat
flour:
47.5 g
2. Roasted
and
crushed
Bengal
gram:
22.5 g
3. Roasted
and
crushed
groundnut:
17.5 g
4. Sugar
(castor
sugar):
12.5 g
iii. Enriched THR with extra protein, fat and eggs (Telangana, Odisha)
a. Balamrutham and Balamrutham plus were introduced by the Government
of Telangana to provide improved supplementary nutrition for children
between 6 months to 3 years of age. It is prepared using wheat, chickpeas
(chana dal), milk powder, oil, and sugar. It is fortified to provide 50%
of iron, calcium, vitamins, and other Recommended Dietary Allowances
(RDAs) that children require per day. Technical support was provided
to the Government of Telangana by the National Institute of Nutrition
and UNICEF in revising the composition of Balamrutham to Balamrutham
Plus. Revised THR (Balamrutham plus) contains more skimmed milk
powder and oil, the addition of groundnut and rice flakes, but reduced
amounts of wheat flour to lower the phytate content. Balamrutham Plus,
with enhanced nutrient composition, is also given to children with MAM
and SAM who are enrolled in the Supervised Supplementary Feeding
Programme (Tables 13 and 14). In addition, these children also receive 1
egg and 100 ml of milk for 30 days and mini-meal + 5g extra oil for 25
days to enhance the quality of protein by including protein rich sources
of animal origin. 29 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
Table 13. Composition of Balamrutham and Balamrutham Plus
Ingredients
Amount (per 100g)
Balamrutham Balamrutham Plus
Roasted wheat55g26.7g
Bengal gram5g3.3g
Skimmed milk
powder
10g13.3g
Sugar 20g20g
Oil 10g20g
Groundnut-3.3g
Rice flakes-13.3g
Total 100g100g
Table 14. Nutritive composition of Balamrutham and Balamrutham Plus per
100grams
Nutrients
BalamruthamBalamrutham plus
Available
in natural
ingredients
Fortification Total
Available
in natural
ingredients
FortificationTotal
Energy (kcal) 414 0 414 460 0 460
Protein (g)11 0 11 11 0 11
Calcium (mg) 167 200 367 219 200 419
Iron (mg)3.1 6 9.1 3.1 6.0 9.1
Vitamin A (µg) 2.5 200 202.5 0.1 200 200.1
Vitamin B1 (µg) 0.3 0.3 0.6 0.2 0.3 0.5
Vitamin B2 (mg) 0.2 0.35 0.55 0.3 0.4 0.6
Vitamin C (mg) 0.5 15 15.5 0.7 15.0 15.7
Folic acid (µg) 7.1 15 22.1 21.1 15.0 36.1
Niacin (mg) 2.3 4 6.3 1.5 4.0 5.5
Vitamin B12 (µg) - - - 0.1 0.6 0.7
b. In Odisha, routine THR consisting of chhatua, eggs, and THR for suji halwa
is provided to children with normal nutritional status. Augmented THR
is currently being provided for SAM children (6-59 months) identified in
vulnerable projects in the state. Under the programme, augmented THR
along with 1 egg per day is being provided to children aged 6–59 months
in the SAM category. Augmented THR is prepared using ingredients like
Wheat, Bengal gram, groundnut, sugar with the addition of vegetable
oil and milk powder to make it energy dense. The addition of oil & milk 30
powder to the THR is done in order to enhance its protein quality and
micronutrient content. The extra egg will further supplement protein and
micronutrients for the SAM children (Table 15).
Table 15. Nutritive composition of THR – Chhatua given to children in Normal
category vs Augmented THR – Chhatua given to children with SAM
Ingredients Routine THR Augmented THR
Wheat62.5g30g
Bengal gram 9.4g10g
Groundnut12.5g10g
Sugar15.6g15g
Vegetable oil -15g
Milk powder-20g
Total 100g100g
Nutritive Value
Energy 346.0 kcal 462.0 kcal
Protein11.0 g16.0 g
Fat 5.0 g20.1g
In addition to THR, beneficiaries under the ICDS in Odisha receive eggs in the
following manner mentioned in Table 16.
Table 16. Provision of egg/other products
Beneficiary Provision of egg*
Normal children (6months to 3 years) Three boiled eggs per week
SAM children (6 months to 3years) One egg daily
* Additional quantity of besan and atta/ragi and besan laddoo (60 pieces/month) is
provided to children who do not eat eggs.
Figure 7: Children receiving eggs 31 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
2.5 QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL
The THR is distributed to young children and pregnant and lactating women. It is
therefore imperative to ensure that the products are safe for consumption. Quality
assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) are integral parts of the production
process.
Despite being a critical step in the production process, not much is known about
the measures undertaken by different States/UTs on QA and QC. However, a few
have been identified for good practices based on their quality checks of the THR
product, and corrective action taken.
GoI Guidelines
14
The Ministry of Women and Child Development has issued operational guidance
for foods safety and hygiene in ICDS on 24
th
October 2013. The following needs
to be taken care of, with regards to ICDS foods and THR:
It should be ensured that the ICDS foods should be free from any
contamination and adulterants.
Segregation should be provided for the storage of raw, processed,
rejected, recalled, or returned materials or products.
Containers made of non-toxic materials should be provided for storage
of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished /ready to serve
products. No raw material or ingredient thereof should be accepted by
an establishment if it is known to contain parasites, undesirable micro-
organisms, pesticides, veterinary drugs or toxic items, decomposed or
extraneous substances, which would not be reduced to an acceptable
level by normal sorting and/or processing.
FIFO – ‘First in First Out’ – system should be applied to release the raw
materials (for processing, packaging, and delivery) in order to protect
the food from being stored too long and becoming contaminated or
spoiled.
14 Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. Operational Guidelines for Food Safety and
Hygiene in ICDS.F. No. 5(25)/2010/ND-Tech Pt. dated 24
th
December 2013https://wcd.nic.in/sites/default/files/
merged_document_3 32
Food should be sent for laboratory testing at regular intervals. The
States and UTs may consider engaging CSIR institutes/National
Accredited Board for Laboratories accredited and other recognized
labs for carrying out sample checking of SNP, to ensure quality food
is provided through ICDS.
Periodic inspection (preferably every week) should be undertaken.
Adherence to Quantity Standards and Testing
15
States/UTs shall ensure the quality of Supplementary Nutrition being provided
with reference to the norms of food safety as well as nutrient composition.
Supplementary Nutrition must conform to prescribed standards laid down under
the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and regulations made thereunder
to ensure consistent quality and nutritive value per serving. The periodicity of
sample testing shall be once in a quarter of an annual year, per project. Take-
Home Ration (not raw ration), shall be tested from FSSAI owned/registered/
empaneled/NABL accredited laboratory. Random testing must be conducted
by Anganwadi Services functionaries after receipt of stock at the AWC or at
the Block level. Anganwadi Services functionaries i.e. CDPO or Supervisor shall
draw the samples, as per the prescribed procedure and send the sample for
testing to a FSSAI owned/registered/empaneled/NABl accredited laboratory.
2.5.1 Quality control
Quality control is the process by which products are tested to ensure that they
meet the standards. It encourages quality consciousness, satisfaction of consumers,
reduction in production cost and most effective utilisation of resources. The
following quality control mechanisms are adopted by the States/UTs:
i. Robust testing mechanism
ii. Batch testing from Government Analytical Labs
i. Robust testing mechanism (Gujarat, Telangana, Odisha, Mizoram)
a. In Gujarat Quality checks are carried out from the procurement of raw
materials to every step in the production process at the AMUL THR
facility. Wheat is sampled by respective milk unions’ QA personnel at
15 Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. Streamlining Guidelines on Quality Assurance,
Roles and Responsibilities of Duty Holders, procedure for procurement, integrating AYUSH concepts and Data
Management and Monitoring through ‘Poshan Tracker’ for transparency, efficiency and accountability in delivery
of Supplementary Nutrition. 573479/2021/PM. No...CD –I-24/2/2021-US (e- 90701) .Dated 13th January, 2021. 33 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
the FCI / CWC godown. Once the lot is approved, the milk union starts
lifting the wheat from the FCI / CWC godown. Wheat is then unloaded
and transferred to the storage area/silo for cleaning purpose.
Apart from an online quality check system, in-house lab testing of the final
THR product is also done. After clearance from the quality department
only, THR product is dispatched from the plant. Additionally, random
samples drawn from each THR batch are sent for analysis to the Food &
Drug Laboratories of Government of Gujarat.
16
b. Telangana Foods, a Govt. of Telangana undertaking is a subsidiary under
Dept. of Women Development & Child Welfare department, specifically
to produce nutritive Modern therapeutic foods (MTF) and ready-to-eat
snack foods for children under ICDS program. Telangana Foods is an
ISO 22000:2018 certified institution, having a nationally accredited quality
control laboratory with ISO 17025:2017 certification and undertakes
quality tests on food quality in its own facility at all levels of production,
from procurement of raw material to the final product stage. The on-
site laboratory tests the quality of raw materials, packaging, and the
finished THR. They also have the capacity to test vitamins and mineral
composition. Any complaints received on THR quality are immediately
addressed through quality control testing in the laboratory.
c. In Odisha THR samples are sent from the ICDS projects to the State
Public Health Laboratory every month for quality testing. The lab submits
the test report to the Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) after
testing.
Monitoring squads have been constituted at the districts and blocks –
they make random checks during the preparation of THR and ensure that
proper quantity and quality is maintained.
Fixed day approach has been adopted for monitoring the quality of THR.
Ingredients of THR (Chhatua) are mixed on the 23rd of every month and
THR is distributed on the 1st of every month at the AWCs. This has helped
in maintaining the quality of THR and in ensuring transparency.
d. In Mizoram for quality control, samples are sent to Food & Nutrition
Board Regional Food Testing Laboratory, Department of Women & Child
Development Government of India in Kolkata for analysis, ensuring that
the THR conforms to the national standards.
16 A Public-Private Partnership in Gujarat: The Amul Case Study https://sightandlife.org/wp-content/
uploads/2020/09/THR-Compendium_PPP-in-Gujarat_The-Amul-Case-Study.pdf 34
ii. Batch testing from Government Analytical Labs (Kerala)
In Kerala, under the Kudumbashree Mission, all the samples are tested from each
batch of product from a Government Analytical Laboratory by the ICDS Supervisor
in-charge. The production unit follows the government-approved SOP to ensure
quality. Surprise visits are conducted by an approved joint committee comprising
of Programme Officers from the Social Justice Department and Kudumbashree
District Mission Team. Food and Safety officials conduct regular visits to the
units and assist them in improvement. District-wise food and safety training are
periodically given to all unit members.
17
2.5.2 Quality enforcement
Some of the States have taken strict action in case of non-compliance of prescribed
product parameters including cancellation of the contracts, and replacement of
the product in stipulated time.
i. Strict action in case of non-compliance as per prescribed parameters
(Odisha, Rajasthan, Mizoram)
a. In Odisha, non-compliance to the prescribed parameters set in the THR
guidelines with regards to production and supply of quality THR invites
strict action against the SHG, which includes termination of the contract,
stoppage of microcredit support by the department, and/or enforcement
of fine. Proper procedure ensuring natural justice is followed before taking
any action.
b. In Rajasthan, cases of non-compliance to quality parameters and nutritional
standards of THR by the WSHG attract warnings in the first instance. In
case of repetition of non-compliance, the contract with the WSHG is
cancelled.
18
c. In Mizoram, in case the THR product is found to lack the quality control
parameters laid down, they are instructed to comply with the nutritional
norms while also ensuring the nutritional food is fit, hygienic, and palatable
for consumption. In case of repetition or non-compliance, penal action
is taken in which case security deposit is forfeited and contract order
cancelled.
17 https://www.kudumbashree.org/storage/files/zutiy_40.nutrimix%20document.pdf
18 ICDS Rajasthan.(2020, September 22). Order No. 103684Regarding making available nutritional supplements
regularly to all registered beneficiaries. https://wcd.rajasthan.gov.in/content/dam/wcd-cms/icds/
order/2020/103684%202292020 35 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
ii. Replacement of product in 30 days and penalty charge (Gujarat)
If the product fails the microbiological parameters, making the product unsuitable
and unacceptable to consumers, the producers are liable for replacement free of
cost at the ultimate destination. The manufacturer (dairy union) is expected to
replace such product within 30 days from the date of intimation. Upon failure
to replace the unsuitable products within the given time limit, a penalty at 5%
of the invoiced price is recoverable from the manufacturer.
As far as premixes are concerned, the premixes are expected to reach the AWCs
within a maximum delivery period of 50 days from the date of the receipt of
the wheat or dispatch advice whichever is later. After completion of 50 days of
delivery period, penalty is charged at 1% from the 57
th
day up to the 80
th
day
for the quantity delivered late or remains undelivered. After 80 days, penalty is
charged at 2%. 36
2.6 PACKAGING AND LABELLING
Good practices on packaging and labelling were identified based on innovation
and the use of packaging to convey relevant nutritional messages to end-users,
caregivers, and families of the beneficiaries.
GoI Guidelines
19
The operational guidelines on Food Safety and Hygiene issued by the Ministry
of Women & Child Development on 24
th
October 2013 also cover packaging
and labelling. The packaging and proper labelling of the THR is crucial in
maintaining its quality. THRs should comply with the following for packaging
and labelling:
Packaging unit should be close to the processing unit. The packaging
unit should be clean and be made free from spilled powdered food
materials which may attract or harbour pests, rodents, or micro-
organism.
Weight machine, sealing machine, scoops, and packaging material
should be available.
Packaging should be done wearing proper apron, head gear, gloves,
and mask to cover mouth and nose. No footwear should be allowed
in the area.
Packaging materials should be such that it provides protection for
all food products to prevent contamination and damage. Packaging
material should be those which are permitted as laid down under the
FSSAI Act and the Regulations there under.
Processed food should be packed on the day of production to prevent
any possible infestation or adulteration.
Packets should carry proper labelling and information such as: Name
of the Product, Nutritive value, Ingredients used, Instructions for use
/process of consumption, best before, Batch number, Date of packing,
Weight of the product, Name of the producer, Address of the producer.
All packets should carry the label ‘Food for ICDS supplementary
nutrition –Food not for sale’. Immediately after packaging and proper
labelling, the products should be placed in the rooms provided for
storage under the required temperature and humidity conditions to
prevent any spoilage.
19 For more details on the guidelines, please refer to Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government
of India. Operational Guidelines for food safety and Hygiene in ICDS.F. No. 5(25)/2010/ND-Tech Pt. dated 24
th
December 2013. https://wcd.nic.in/sites/default/files/merged_document_3 37 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
2.6.1 Packaging of THR product
Packaging for THR products is important for a number of reasons. Firstly, good
packaging conveys a sense of quality about the products to the end user and
ensures better usage and adherence to the product.
Secondly, packaging offers an opportunity to educate users about preparation
and use of the product. Additional information on appropriate feeding practices
for infants and young children can also be provided. The packaging methods
adopted by different States/UTs are as follows:
i. Beneficiary specific colour coded packets
ii. Glass bottle distribution
iii. Customized weight specific packets
i. Beneficiary specific colour coded packets (Odisha)
Colour-coded packets are distributed to different beneficiary categories:
Yellow: Pregnant/lactating women
Blue: Children 6–36 months
Red: Severely underweight children
Given that the State Government distributes multiple products, colour-coded
packs ease the job of the AWW during distribution. The THR products for young
children also carry messages on the importance of breastfeeding.
ii. Glass bottle distribution (Kerala)
To ensure appropriate storage of the THR post opening of the packet, the State
distributes glass bottles as a one-time activity.
iii. Customized weight specific packets (Telangana)
The weighment of packages of Balamrutham is customized to 1.25 kg packets from
the previously existing 2.5 kg to facilitate easy consumption of the weaning food.
This has ensured a hassle-free storage and maintains freshness at the household
level as the weaning food can be consumed from smaller packets as and when
required thereby preventing spoilage/contamination. The packaging designs of
Balamrutham and Murukulu (snack food) provided as THR are made in attractive
packaging designs to appeal to children. (Figure 8) 38
Figure 8: Customized weight-specific packets
2.6.2 Labelling on packets
Labelling of the THR is crucial in maintaining its quality. Labelling products not
only provide crucial information and instructions to beneficiaries but can also help
the product stand out. They are usually on the back of the product and contain
important product information.
i. Customized messages on packets (Jharkhand)
THR is packaged as per pre-decided norms and protocol; it gives an opportunity
for the department to customize messaging to effectively reach the households.
This has a lot of potentials, especially in times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
ii. Instruction of preparation method (Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, and
Madhya Pradesh)
The THR packs in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh carry instructions on the THR
packs on how to prepare dishes using the product. The THR of Arunachal Pradesh
contains information like nutritive value, ingredients, shelf life, manufacturing
month, manufacturer details, and instruction for preparation method. In addition,
it is labeled as specially packed for SNP-Arunachal Pradesh.
iii. Informative labelling (Mizoram)
THR are procured from manufacturers having fully automated plants and technical
expertise thereby ensuring zero contamination, which is crucial for maintaining
quality. Packets are properly labelled and information such as the name of
the product, nutritive value, instructions for use/preparation for consumption,
ingredients, best before, batch number, date of packaging, weight of the product,
name of the producer, and address of the producer are clearly indicated. Packets
are also labelled with ‘Specially Packed for SNP, Not for Sale’ 39 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
2.7 MONITORING
As with any programme or activity, monitoring is important for accountability, to
be able to measure impact and ensure that the target beneficiaries have received
the product.
To provide systemic approaches, several States have introduced some management
practices into ICDS, such as involving community groups like SHGs, Mothers’
Committees, Jaanch Committees, real-time monitoring systems for use in
monitoring of day-to-day functioning of AWCs.
GoI Guidelines
20
The Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India in its
operational guidelines on food safety and hygiene issued in 2013 specifies
several monitoring protocols and standard operating procedures that need to
be followed at different stages of THR production and distribution.
As per Operational guidelines issued by the Ministry of Women and Child
Development dated 24
th
October 2013 on Food Safety and Hygiene in ICDS,
the Five-Tier Monitoring and Review Committees setup under ICDS should
monitor the different aspects of supplementary nutrition and ensure that food
safety measures are adhered to at all levels. CDPOs and ICDS Supervisors
have the primary responsibility of monitoring of the Supplementary Nutrition
Programme in their jurisdiction. ICDS Supervisors should ensure that all AWCs
under their jurisdiction follow proper norms of food handling, right from receipt
of stocks to delivery of supplementary nutrition to target beneficiaries. They
should also inspect the general hygiene of the AWCs and personal hygiene
of workers and other food handlers. Simple checklists should be used for
monitoring food safety measures at every stage by Supervisors/ CDPOs. The
Anganwadi-Level Monitoring and Support Committee and Gram Panchayat
Pradhans should be involved for monitoring of activities under Supplementary
Nutrition. District-level monitoring committees should review the Supplementary
Nutrition Programme under ICDS regularly and redressal mechanism may be
set up for at the district level.
Food and Nutrition Board, Ministry of WCD, with its 43 field units carry
out inspection and monitoring of Supplementary Nutrition.
Central Monitoring Units (CMUs) carry out monitoring of ICDS Services.
20 Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India.Operational Guidelines for Food Safety and
Hygiene in ICDS.F. No. 5(25)/2010/ND-Tech Pt. dated 24
th
December 2013
https://wcd.nic.in/sites/default/files/merged_document_3 40
Appropriate records of food processing/preparation, production/cooking,
storage, distribution, service, food quality, laboratory test results, cleaning and
sanitation, pest control and product recall should be kept and retained for a
period of the shelf-life of the product.
This review has focused on two main components of monitoring:
2.7.1 Real time monitoring
2.7.2 Community participation in monitoring
Figure 9: Community involvement
2.7.1 Real time monitoring
Real time monitoring involves robust digital technology platform and management
information system (MIS) designed to view the complete status of service delivery
to all categories of beneficiaries, namely pregnant women, lactating mothers and
children. The system enables tracking of all AWCs, AWWs, and beneficiaries on
THR delivery.
i. Real time monitoring using call centres (Jharkhand)
In 2011, the Real Time State Monitoring Cell was launched at the Directorate
of Social Welfare, Ranchi, with support from UNICEF. The monitoring cell is a
call centre through which real time feedback on regular functioning of AWC
is collected from AWWs and beneficiaries. This information includes timeliness
of the distribution of supplementary nutrition, quality and available quantity of
food at AWC level, availability of essential items, adequate infrastructure facility
at AWC for effective delivery of service, and availability of adequate and safe
water sources. 41 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
ii. GPS enabled monitoring system (Gujarat)
Government of Gujarat has developed the online monitoring system to keep eyes
on the entire distribution process. Before the THR stock is dispatched to the
AWCs, advance intimation is sent to the AWWs. All delivery vans have GPS. The
THR stock delivered at the AWC is authenticated through a system generated,
One Time Password. Quantity of THR delivered with the exact delivery time gets
recorded in the system.
The entire chain of distribution process right from demand generation till the
delivery to the AWC is closely-monitored by State Management Centre (SMC)
established at the Commissionerate of Women and Child Development with
support of GVK EMRI through an online system which allows access to each
stakeholder. Desk operators at State Management Centre (SMC) monitor each
delivery, and follow-up with the AWWs, supervisors and other officers for timely
lifting of food grains under HCM and distribution of THR to beneficiaries.
2.7.2 Community participation in monitoring
Community ownership of any project increases transparency, accountability and
quality standards. Various states have engaged communities in monitoring of THR
supply chain as well as products.
i. Community participation in monitoring of THR production and distribution
(Odisha)
In order to encourage community participation and ownership of the THR
programme, community-level monitoring is institutionalized through the formation
of Mothers Committees (MC) at each AWC and Jaanch Committees (JC) at each
revenue village in Odisha. The role of MCs is to ensure quality of THR distributed
at AWCs and the role of JCs is to ensure that the programme maintains prescribed
quality and quantity. Both committees are constituted of well-educated individuals
from the locality. Greater community involvement during implementation ensures
accountability in the timely distribution of high-quality THR to beneficiaries.
Additionally, in Odisha there is a system in place wherein the government staff
(supervisors, CDPOs, DSWO, and staff from Mission Shakti) regularly visit the THR
production units on fixed days of the month to oversee the production process.
ii. State level Monitoring Committee (Telangana)
‘Telangana Foods’ has a Nutrition Council which meets twice a year. It is headed
by the Chief Secretary to the Government of Telangana and includes a member
from the National Institute for Nutrition for oversight on the nutritional quality 42
of THR. An executive committee, that convenes every quarter, oversees regular
THR production operations.
Vigilance teams are formed at the level of Commissionerate and District level to
collect random samples from the field/suppliers of various commodities of THR
like red gram, milk etc., for checking quality of food items to ensure the food is
free from adulteration, spoilage or contamination. Samples of every batch are sent
for quality testing at nationally accredited food testing laboratories and reports
are collected. Punitive actions are taken on defaulters for any lapses in quality
as per the terms and conditions applicable.
iii. Supervision under local task force during pandemic (Mizoram)
During the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, AWCs could not
be opened everyday due to the enforcement of lockdowns/partial lockdowns and
other containment measures. Even in such times, the Local-Level Task Force (a
committee comprising of local leaders to combat COVID-19 by ensuring safety
protocols) played a key role in the distribution of THRs. Under their supervision,
AWWs while following strict COVID-19 protocols (social distancing, wearing of
face masks, distributing hand sanitization materials, etc.), also distributed essential
food items from the AWCs to their beneficiaries.
iv. Anganwadi- level Monitoring and Support Committee (Himachal Pradesh)
The Anganwadi-level Monitoring and Support Committee (ALMSC), which
comprises members from amongst Pachayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), SHGs,
beneficiaries (ICDS), local teachers, health workers, etc., with AWWs as member
secretary, decides the local source of procurement of green leafy/root vegetables
and pass a resolution to this effect. Thereby, the AWWs procure it from the source
decided by the ALMSC. Further, this Anganwadi-level committee also ensures the
smooth functioning of AWCs and also exercises checks on proper delivery and
distribution of supplementary nutrition. The Gram Panchayat Pradhans have been
empowered to inspect the AWCs and also to exercise check on the distribution
of supplementary nutrition, balance stock of nutrition, balance stock of nutrition
available in the centers, quality of nutrition and storage/maintenance of food
items, etc. 43 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
2.8 SOCIAL AND BEHAVIOUR CHANGE COMMUNICATION
(SBCC)
The THR distributed through the ICDS scheme can prevent malnutrition in young
children and improve pregnancy outcomes if its benefits and importance are
conveyed effectively to the end-users. However, it is understood that the natural
link between THR and nutrition is best addressed through social and behavior
change communication (SBCC) conducted during the process of product
distribution.
For the purposes of this document and its focus on THR, examples have been
picked, which establish connections between the THR distributed, nutrition, and
SBCC.
GOI Guidelines
21
As per the administrative guidelines issued by the Ministry of Women and
Child Development, Government of India on the implementation of the National
Nutrition Mission on 26
th
February 2018, IEC activities play a very important
and strategic role in the area of public health. A successful IEC plan would
help in refuting myths and misunderstandings prevalent in the society and will
lead to a demand for the various health services being provided, thus bringing
about a behavioural change among individuals and the community at large.
The IEC strategy aims to create awareness and disseminate information
regarding the benefits available under the various nutrition- and health-related
government schemes and to guide the citizens on how to access them. The
objective is also to encourage build-up of health-seeking behaviour among the
masses in keeping with the focus on promotive and preventive healthcare. The
IEC strategy will cater to different needs of the rural and urban masses through
the various tools used for communication. Separate funds shall be allotted
for this purpose at the Centre and State levels. The IEC activities mostly will
be done through the following methods: (a) Print media (b) television (c) All
India Radio (d) Social media campaigns.
21 Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. Administrative guidelines for implementation
of National Nutrition Mission.NNM/2017-WBP; 2018. 44
2.8.1 Use of color-coded flyers for improved complementary
feeding practices (Kerala)
The Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Kerala in
collaboration with the World Food Programme have developed a set of flyers on
age-appropriate complementary feeding practices. These flyers are designed for
children between 6–8 months of age, 9–11 months of age, 12–23 months of age,
and for feeding of young children during illness.
Whilst stressing upon the consistency, quality, and frequency of complementary
feeds to be given to young children, the flyers also stress upon the importance of
the local THR – Amrutham-Nutrimix. These age-appropriate flyers are distributed
to the caregivers of young children at the AWC when they collect the THR. In
addition to these flyers, the State has also invested in development of other IEC
material and conducting folk media campaigns highlighting the importance of
including THR in a young child’s diet (Figure 10).
Figure 10: IEC materials highlighting the importance of THR in everyday diet
2.8.2 Community based events (Telangana)
Community-based events are organized at the Anganwadi-levels for a day,
mobilizing young mothers and family members of children to enhance awareness
on nutritional values. Different activities are conducted during these events such as:
a. Demonstration of different food recipes and a variety of dishes are prepared
during the programme to train mothers to prepare palatable and tasty dishes
for their children using THR commodities. Family members like mothers-
in-law and husbands of pregnant and lactating women are particularly
involved during these community-based events to create awareness on
healthy food practices, behavioural aspects, etc. Cooking and food recipe
competitions are also conducted for husbands during these events. 45 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
b. Personnel from line departments such as health and panchayati raj are
invited during these programmes and awareness on good health and
nutrition practices is created among pregnant women and lactating
mothers through such channels.
2.8.3 Training of AWW and SHGs on nutrition (Jharkhand)
The AWWs, members of SHGs were jointly trained by the Social Welfare and
Jharkhand State Promotion Society on nutrition and services is being provided
through AWCs. These 29,342 women eventually become an asset for promoting
nutrition in their community and play a significant role in sharing the importance
of good nutrition in their weekly meetings.
2.8.4 IEC material focusing changing behavior pattern (Odisha)
The Department has developed various IEC materials for promoting complementary
feeding practices. Animation videos have been developed with the protagonist
tiki mausi promoting messages on complementary feeding for children.
The IEC activities focus on changing behavior patterns related to IYCF practices
and ensuring improved practices on consumption of THR.
2.8.5 Awareness about nutritional content of traditional and
local food (Mizoram)
For the purpose of behavioural change communication, a nutri-plate chart is
being supplied to mothers and they are told about the nutritional contents of
traditionally and locally available fruits, vegetables, pulses, legumes, and sources
of protein. This helps mothers in getting informed of the various foods that
are locally available along with their nutritional contents to ensure that there is
360-degree coverage of all nutrients that are needed by their child.
This nutri-plate chart also includes tables of locally available food items that
would help ensure mothers to include them in their daily food intake. It also helps
mothers in receiving and spreading the good message, through word-of-mouth,
conveying the nutritional importance of the five food groups – vegetables, fruits,
whole grains, healthy proteins, and dairy products – that can help enhance the
nutrition intake and aid in growth and development of their child. This process
imparts nutritional knowledge to the local community thereby ensuring that they
include all the five food groups in their daily food plate and that each child is not
missing out on any nutrients from the different food groups that are essential for
their growth. This also helps mothers who are not aware of the good practices for
their child’s nutritional intake and they come to know about the positive effects
of good nutritional intake in a child’s growth and development. 46
2.8.6 Message through digital platform (Maharashtra)
In order to ensure continuity of counselling efforts despite the challenges posed
by the COVID-19 pandemic, Tarang Suposhit Maharashtracha was conceived as an
adaptation, and launched by the Department of Women and Child Development,
Government of Maharashtra. Through these digital communication platforms, the
department reaches out to households in the State and conveys essential nutrition-
related information customized to the household’s needs. The digital platform
– Tarang Suposhit Maharashtracha – encompasses a multichannel approach by
integrating IVR helpline, auto-generated broadcast calls/ SMS, and a whatsapp
chatbot. The system empowers parents to assess the nutritional condition of their
children, and seek for suitable system-generated follow-up messages.
Major themes accessed through these platforms are nutrition during COVID, early
childhood development, and nutritious recipes. The digital platforms strengthen
the supplementary nutrition programme by providing information about both
HCM and THR, readily available to the users. Nutritious recipes using the THR
are demonstrated through the ‘Ek Ghas Mayecha: Feeding with care’ video series.
These videos also help in creating awareness around complementary feeding and
responsive feeding.
Figure 11: ‘Ek Ghas Mayecha: Feeding with care’ recipe video series 47 Good Practices Adopted by the States/UTs
The digital platforms have been further optimized through its use for program
monitoring and improvement. Through the platforms, parents can participate in
a social audit through whats app and IVR and provide feedback regarding ICDS
services such as THR delivery and access, as well its usefulness at the household
level. The data captured is valuable for State and district level review and mid-
course correction in programs.
So far, the platform has reached more than 35 lakh program participants. whats
app chatbot has been used by 13 lakh users through5 crores messages. About
21 lakh calls have been received on IVR Helpline. Broadcast calls/SMS have been
sent to 38 lakh people. More than 76 thousand people have responded to the
social audit through whats app and the IVR system WAY FORWARD
3 50
WAY FORWARD
India is committed to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)-2030.
Sustainable Development Goals aim to end all forms of malnutrition and achieve
zero hunger. In this direction, Supplementary Nutrition Program under ICDS plays
a pivotal role by trying to bridge the gap of nutrients in the diet of vulnerable
groups such as pregnant women and lactating mothers, children 0-6 years of
age and adolescent girls.
Take Home Ration is provided to pregnant and lactating women and children
6 months to 3 years of age. States/UTs have tried to improve its procurement,
production, product formulation, quality, monitoring and supply chain management.
Further, there is realization that more value can be delivered from THR in terms
of improving complementary feeding practices for young children and thereby
preventing malnutrition and boosting nutritional status of pregnant women and
lactating mothers, leading to better birth weights of children and improved health
outcomes.
There continue to be some persistent challenges across the THR value chain. In
order to realize the full potential of the THR, all components of this value chain
need to function at optimum. This therefore calls for the following:
Building a robust system for procurement, supply chain management
and monitoring that ensures complete transparency, standardized
process, sustainability,full coverage, leverages local ties, foster a culture
of collaboration, builds trust within a community, and less susceptible to
corruption and mismanagement.
Adoption of such production model that not only helps to optimize
production but also improves THR access in rural areas, produces THR with
high nutrient value through addition of micronutrient premix, enhances
community ownership involving SHGs and promotes income generating
activities and female empowerment.
It is important to provide, good quality THR product having nutritive value
rather than ensuring only calories and proteins.
Quality testing is an integral part of assurance of good product to
beneficiaries. The States/UTs may consider regular testing of THR through
recognized labs, to ensure quality meal through ICDS.
To improve the nutritional status of beneficiaries, it is important to aware
masses about nutritional value of food though Information Education 51 Way Forward
and Communication (IEC) material distribution, message through digital
platform, community based events and dissemination, capacity building
of AWW and SHGs, community mobilization and action.
Key takeaways
Regular sensitization of States/UT on the enhanced role of THR as
well as dissemination of guidance notes on different aspects of THR.
Creation of opportunities for cross-learning between States/UTs for
mainstreaming of good and innovative practices.
Implementation of good practices in THR across the value chain with
enhanced coverage, continuity, quality, and intensity.
Greater adoption and enhancement of good practices and sharing
back these innovations ANNEXURE 54
ANNEXURE I
THR IN VARIOUS STATES/UT s
Bihar
Beneficiary
Type of THR and
number of days
for which THR is
provided
Frequency of
distribution
Quantity of THR (Per day
consumption)
Net Weight of 1
packet of THR
Normal
and MAM
children
(6months to
3years)
THR for 25
days
Monthly Rice(100g),
Dal(50g),
Soya bean(20g)
=170g/day
Rice: 2500g
Dal: 1250g
Soya bean: 500g
=4250g
(170gx25days
=4250g)
SAM children
(6months to
3years)
THR for 25
days
Monthly Rice(150g),
Dal(70g),
soya bean(35g)
=255g/ day
Rice: 3750g
Dal: 1750g
Soya bean: 875g
=6375g
(255g x25 days
=6375g)
Pregnant
Women and
Lactating
Mothers
THR for 25
days
Monthly Rice(140g),
Dal(60g),
Soya bean(18g)
=218g/ day
Rice:3500g
Dal:1500g
Soya bean: 450g
=5450g
(218g x25 days
=5450g)
Chhattisgarh
Beneficiary
Type of THR and
number of days
for which THR is
provided
Frequency of
distribution
Quantity of THR
(Per day consumption)
Net Weight of
1 packet of THR
Normal
and MAM
children
(6months-
3 years)
Ready to Eat
(RTE)
for 6 days
Weekly (Shishu Shakti Ahar)
Wheat(37.5g),
Soyabean (12.5g)
Channa(25g)
Jaggery(33.75g)
Fortified soya bean oil
(6.25g), Peanut (6.25g)
Ragi (3.75g)
=125g/day
750g
(125g x 6 days
= 750g) 55 Annexure
Beneficiary
Type of THR and
number of days
for which THR is
provided
Frequency of
distribution
Quantity of THR
(Per day consumption)
Net Weight of
1 packet of THR
SAM children
(6 months
–3 years)
Ready to Eat
(RTE)
for 6 days
Weekly (Shishu Shakti Ahar)
Wheat(60g)
Soyabean (20g)
Channa(40g)
Jaggery(54g)
Fortified soyabean oil (10g)
Peanut (10g)
Ragi (6g)
=200g/day
1200g
(200g x 6
days = 1200g)
Gujarat
Beneficiary
Type of THR and
number of days
for which THR is
provided
Frequency of
distribution
Quantity of THR (Per day
consumption)
Net Weight of 1
packet of THR
Normal
Children
(6 to
36 months)
Ready to Cook
(RTC) –
Bal Shakti
for 28 days
Monthly Fortified Wheat(62gm),
Besan (6g),
Soyabean flour (10g),
Sugar(36g)
Fortified oil (11g)
=125g/ day
500g per packet
7 packets
provided for
25 days
500g x7days
=3500g
3500g for 28 days
SUW (6 to
36 months)
RTC –Bal
Shakti for 27
days
Monthly Fortified Wheat(92gm),
Besan (9 g),
Soyabean (15g),
Sugar(53g)
Fortified oil(16g)
= 185g/day
500g per packet
10 packets are
provided for
25 days
500g x10 packets
=5000g
5000g for 27 days
Pregnant
Women and
Lactating
Mothers
Ready to Cook
(RTC) –Matru
Shakti for 28
days
Monthly Fortified Wheat(40g)
Besan (4g)
Soya bean Flour(19g)
Maize(19g),
Fortified Rice(15g)
Sugar(31g)
Fortified oil(17g)
=145g/ day
1000g per packet
4 packets are
provided for
25 days
1000g x 4packets
=4000g
4000g for
28 days 56
Haryana
Beneficiary
Type of THR and
number of days
for which THR is
provided
Frequency
of
distribution
Quantity of THR (Per day
consumption)
Net Weight of 1
packet of THR
Normal children
(6 months to
6years)
Panjiri for
6 days
Weekly/
Fortnightly
Fortified Wheat(100g)
Oil (15g)
Sugar (35g)
=150g/day
No packing
is done as
panjiri is being
prepared by the
mother group
SAM children
(6 months to
72 months)
Paushtik Panjiri
for 6days
Weekly/
Fortnightly
Fortified Wheat (100g),
Besan (20g)
Peanut(15g)
Fortified Oil (15gm)
Sugar (50g)
=200g/day
No packing
is done as
panjiri is being
prepared by
mother group
Kerala
Beneficiary
Type of THR and
number of days
for which THR is
provided
Frequency of
distribution
Quantity of THR (Per day
consumption)
Net Weight of
1 packet of THR
All children
(6months to
5 years)
Amrutham-
Nutrimix for
25 days
Monthly
(7 packets)
Wheat (60.8 g)
Soya chunks 13.5g)
Bengal gram (20.3g)
Groundnut (13.5g)
Sugar(27g)
500g per
packet
7 packets
provided for
25 days
500g x 7days
=3500g
(3500 g for
25 days)
SUW Children Double quantity provided
Karnataka
Beneficiary
Type of THR and
number of days
for which THR is
provided
Frequency of
distribution
Quantity of THR (Per day
consumption)
Net Weight of
1 packet of THR
Normal children
(6 months to
6years)
Pusthi powder
for 25 days
Monthly Roasted rice powder (18g)
Roasted wheat powder
(36 g)
Roasted green gram
powder (40g)
Roasted bengal gram
powder(6g)
=100g/ day
2500 g
100gx25
days=2500g 57 Annexure
Beneficiary
Type of THR and
number of days
for which THR is
provided
Frequency of
distribution
Quantity of THR (Per day
consumption)
Net Weight of
1 packet of THR
SAM children
(6 months to
6years)
Pusthi powder
for 25 days
Monthly Roasted rice powder(27g)
Roasted wheat
powder(54g)
Roasted green gram
Powder(60g)
Roasted bengal gram
powder(9g )
=150g/ day
3750g
150gx 25days
=3750g
Madhya Pradesh
Beneficiary
Type of THR and
number of days
for which THR is
provided
Frequency of
distribution
Quantity of THR (Per day
consumption)
Net Weight of
1 packet of THR
All children
(6months to
6 years)
Energy-dense
Balahar
for 5 days
Weekly Roasted wheat flour (57.6g)
Sugar (19.2g)
Roasted soya flour (16.8g)
Milk powder (14.4g)
Vegetable oil (12g)
=(120g/day)
600g
(120g x 5 days
= 600 g)
All children
(6months to
6 years)
Energy-dense
premix khichdi
for 5 days
Weekly Fortified Rice (58.75g)
Moong dal (31.25g)
Defatted soyagrits (17.5g)
Oil (15g),
DFS, spices and condiments
(2.5g)
= (120g/ day)
600g
(120g x 5 days
= 600 g)
All children
(6months to
6 years)
Energy-dense
premix halwa
for 5 days
Weekly Roasted wheat flour(50g)
Roasted soya flour (16.8g)
Sugar(19.2g)
Roasted besan (9.6g)
Milk powder(12g)
Refined vegetable Oil(12g)
=(120g/ day)
600g
(120g x 5 days
= 600 g) 58
Beneficiary
Type of THR and
number of days
for which THR is
provided
Frequency of
distribution
Quantity of THR (Per day
consumption)
Net Weight of
1 packet of THR
Normal
children
(3–6years)
Sookha daliya
mixture
for 15 days
Fortnightly Wheat (79g)
Moong dal (48g)
Soyabean (10g)
Groundnut (13g)
=(150g/ day)
2250g
(150g x 15
days = 2250
g)
Normal
children
(3–6 years)
Sookha khichdi
choora
for 15 days
Fortnightly Wheat (65g)
Maize (35g)
Moong dal (30g)
Chana dal (20g)
=(150g/ day)
2250g
(150g x 15
days=2250g)
MUW
children
(6months to
5years)
Sookha dalia
mix
for 15 days
Fortnightly Wheat (125g)
Moong dal (55g)
Soyabean (20g)
Groundnut (30g)
=(230g/ day)
3450g
(230g x15 days
=3450g)
MUW
children
(6months to
5years)
Sookha khichdi
choora
for 15 days
Fortnightly Wheat (110g)
Maize (60g)
Moong dal (40g)
Chana dal (30g)
=(240g/ day)
3600g
(240g x15
days =3600g)
Pregnant
and lactating
women
Gehu soya
barfi premix
for 6 days
Weekly Roasted Wheat Flour(63g)
Roasted soya
flour(Defatted)(21g)
Sugar(27g)
Roasted besan (12g),
Refined vegetable oil (15g)
=(150g/ day)
900g
(150g x6 days
=900g)
Pregnant
and lactating
women
Atta Besan
Laddu premix
For 6 days
Weekly Roasted Wheat Flour(51g)
Roasted Soya Flour(21g)
Sugar(27g)
Roasted Besan (24g)
Milk powder(21g)
Roasted Vegetable oil(15g)
=(150g/ day)
900g
(150g x6 days
=900g) 59 Annexure
Children receive the following premixes:
Sookha daliya mixture: For normal children (3–6 years) and for SUW
children (6months to 5years)
Sookha Khichdi choora: For normal children (3-6 years) and for SUW
children (6months to 5years)
Khichdi premix: For all children (6months to 6years)
Halwa premix: For all children (6months to 6years)
Balahar: For all children (6 months to 6years)
Note: Khichdi premix, Halwa premix and BalAhar mix packets are given to children on an alternate basis.
One week Khichdi premix is given, the next week Halwa premix is given and in the following week BalAhar
mix is given.
Odisha
Beneficiary
Type of THR and
number of days
for which THR is
provided
Frequency of
distribution
Quantity of THR (Per
day consumption)
Net Weight of 1 packet
of THR
Children
(6 months to
3 years)
Ready to Eat
(RTE) chhatua
for 25 days
Monthly Wheat (62.5g)
Bengal gram dal
(9.4g)
Groundnut (12.5g)
Sugar(15.6g)
= 98g/ day
2450g per packet
(98g x 25 days =
2450g)
SAM children
(6–59
months)
Augmented
THR – Ready
to Eat (RTE)
chhatua
Fortnightly Wheat (30g)
Bengal gram dal
(10g)
Groundnut (10g)
Sugar (15g)
Vegetable oil (15g),
Milk powder (20g)
100g per packet
Packets are provided
as per weight of the
child 3.5-6.0kg =14
packets
6.1-8.7kg =21 packets
8.8-11.3kg =28
packets
>11.4kg= 35 packets 60
Rajasthan
Beneficiary
Type of THR and
number of days
for which THR is
provided
Frequency of
distribution
Quantity of THR (Per
day consumption)
Net Weight of 1 packet
of THR
Normal
children
(6 months to
6years)
THR for 25
days
Monthly Wheat(50g)
Rice(50g)
Chana dal (80g)
=180g/ day
Wheat (1250g)
Rice (1250g)
Chana dal (2000g)
= 4500g
180g x25days=4500g
SUW
children
(6 months to
6years)
THR for 25
days
Monthly Wheat (80g)
Rice (60g)
Chana dal (120g)
=260 g / day
Wheat (2000g)
Rice (1500g)
Chana dal (3000g)
6500g
260gx
25days=6500g
Telangana
Beneficiary
Type of THR and
number of days
for which THR is
provided
Frequency of
distribution
Quantity of THR (Per day
consumption)
Net Weight of 1 packet
of THR
All children
(6months to
3 years)
Weaning food:
Balamrutham
for 25 days
Monthly Roasted Wheat (55g)
Sugar (20g)
Oil(10g),
Milk powder (10g)
Bengal Gram(5g)
=100g/ day
1250g per packet
(2 packets are
provided for 25
days)
1250 g x
2packets=2500g
SAM and
MAM
children
(7months to
6years)
Balamrutham
Plus
Weekly Roasted wheat (26.7g)
Milk powder (13.3g)
Oil(20g)
Sugar (20g)
Bengal gram (3.3g)
Groundnut (3.3g)
Rice Flakes(13.3 g)
=100g/day
Depends on child
weight. For example:
If child weight is
11.8 kg, 5 packets (1
kg per packet) per
month are given. 61 Annexure
ANNEXURE II-I
STATES/UTs WISE LIST OF DIRECTORS, ICDS AND NODAL
OFFICERS, POSHAN GYAN PORTAL
S. No. StateDirectors, ICDS Nodal Officers, Poshan Gyan Portal
1 Andhra
Pradesh
Dr. Krithika Shukla
Director
Department of Women
Development & Child Welfare
Government of Andhra Pradesh
Mobile: 8374032888
Ms. Sujatha Rani B
Joint Project Coordinator
POSHAN Abhiyaan,
Government of Andhra Pradesh
Mobile. 09550360918
e-mail: apwdcw@gmail.com
2 Chhattisgarh Smt. Divya Umesh Mishra
Director
Department of Women
Development & Child Welfare
Govt. of Chhattisgarh,
Mob No.: 9425227700
dirwcd.cg@gov.in
Mr. Nand Lal Choudhary
Joint Director
WCD Department
Government of Chhattisgarh
Mobile: 09425555088
e-mail - nlcbdwcd@gmail.com
3 Delhi NCT Dr. Rashmi Singh
Director
Women and Child Development
Govt. of NCT of Delhi,
Delhi Secretariat,
New Delhi – 110002
Ph. 011-23862652/20832581
Mob. No.:
poshan.dwcd@gmail.com
Ms. Suman Sharma
Asst. Director
POSHAN
Mobile - 9968249891
poshan.dwcd@gmail.com
4 Gujarat 1. Mr. D.N .Modi
Director
ICDS, Commissionerate of
Women and Child Development
“mailto:gujicds@gujarat.gov.in”
gujicds@gujarat.gov.in
Landline: 07923253305
Mobile: 09978402983
2. Smt. H. G. Raj
Deputy Secretary
Phone No. 079-232-54260,
Fax No. 079-232-52251
ds-icds-wncw@gujarart.gov.in
Mr. Yatinkumar K Gajera,
ICDS, Commissionerate of
Women and Child Development,
Government of Gujarat,
Mobile: 9016201963
e-mail: icdsiec2019@gmail.com 62
S. No. StateDirectors, ICDS Nodal Officers, Poshan Gyan Portal
5 Himachal
Pradesh
Ms. Rakhil Kahlon
Director
Department of Women
Development Govt. of Himachal
Pradesh
H.P. Secretariat,
Shimla – 171002.
Ph.: 2622033
Email - wcd-hp@nic.in
Dr. Seema Thakur, Assistant
Director, Nutrition
Mobile: 09418060328
6 Jharkhand Mr. Anjaneyulu Dodde
Director
Deptt. Of WCD and Social
Welfare
Govt. Jharkhand
Ph. No: 0651-2400749
dsw_jharkhand15@yahoo.com
Ms. Kanchan Singh
e-mail: swdjharkhand@gmail.com
7 Karnataka Mr. Chandrashekhar
Joint Secretary
Department of Women and
Child Development and
Empowerment of Differently
Abled and Senior Citizens,
Bangalore-560 001
Ph. No. 080-22032191
ds-wcd@karnataka.gov.in
Priyanka mary Francis
Director
Women and Child Development
Department Govt. of Karnataka,
Mob. 09632643017
Email - jdicds.dwcd@gmail.com
directorwcd01@gmail.com
8 Kerala ANUPAMA T V
Director
Directorate of Women and
Child Development
8078071070
director.wcd@kerala.gov.in
Ph. 0471-2346508,2346534
Ms. Bindu Gopinath
Additional Director
WCD Dpt., Kerala
Ph. 0471-2346534
swdicds@gmail.com
9 Madhya
Pradesh
Sh. Naresh Pal Kumar,
Commissioner
Women and Child Development
Department, Government of
Madhya Pradesh
Mobile: 9425007887
-
10 Maharashtra Ms. Indra Mallo
Commissioner
ICDS Deptt., Govt of
Maharashtra, Raigad Bhawan,
Ist Floor, Rear Wing, Belapur
CBD, Navi Mumbai
Ph. No. 022-27576388
Email - mahaposhan@gmail.com
Ms. Neha Arora
Consultant – Health & Nutrition
SMPU POSHAN Abhiyaan & ICDS
Maharashtra
Phone. 022-27576388/322
Mobile: 9167756260
e-mail: icdssmpu@gmail.com 63 Annexure
S. No. StateDirectors, ICDS Nodal Officers, Poshan Gyan Portal
11 Manipur Ngangom Uttam Singh
Director
Department of Social Welfare,
Government of Manipur
Mobile: 9354336850
Mr. Bantee Singh Konthoujam
Deputy Secretary
Social Welfare,
Government of Manipur
“mailto:bantee.konthoujam@gmail.
com” bantee.konthoujam@gmail.
com
Mobile: 8730877424
12 Meghalaya Shri. L. M. Momin, Deputy
Director of Social Welfare,
Govt. of Meghalaya,
Main Secretariat Building,
Shillong – 793001
Mobile: 8131003864
Email: dte_swmeg@yahoo.in
lm.momin@yahoo.com
dte_swmeg@yahoo.co.in
Smt. V H Blah,
Programme Officer, ICDS
Mobile: 7005651362
e-mail: dte_swmeg@yahoo.in
13 Odisha Kalyani Patnaik
Joint Secretary to Govt of
Odisha Department of Women &
Child Development
Ph. No. 0674 – 2322929
Mobile: 9438106239/9437572567
dirwcd.or@nic.in
Ms. Nandita Nayak,SPM(C),
WCD Department, Government of
Odisha
Mobile: 9437161856
e-mail: nandita20in@gmail.com
14 Rajasthan Mr. O.P Bunker
Director, Child Rights, Govt.
of Rajasthan, G-3/1, Ambedkar
Bhawan, Rajmahal Residency
Area, Jaipur – 302005
Office No. 0141-2220258
Mobile No. : 9414244278
E-mail: raj.sje@rajsthan.gov.in
director.wcd@rajasthan.gov.in
1. Mr. Rajesh Verma,
Addl. Director (Nutrition), ICDS,
Govt. of Rajasthan
Mobile: 09414058387
Ph. 0141-2700246
Email: adn.wcd@rajasthan.gov.in
2. Dr. Bhag Chand Badhal,
Addl. Director (Nutrition) Nodal
Officer Poshan Abhiyaan,
ICDS Rajasthan
Phone no: 0141-2700246
Mobile: 91-9414082333
15 Tamil Nadu Dr. Rathna
Commissioner, Social Welfare
& Nutrition Meal Programme,
Government of Tamil Nadu,
Office: 044-24351891
Mobile: 9894991655
e-mail: “mailto:dsw@tn.nic.in”
dsw@tn.nic.in
Mrs. V. R. Jayalakshmi
Joint Director (NNM)
Government of Tamil Nadu
Mobile: 09444222809
e-mail: poshanabhiyaan.tn@gmail.
com 64
S. No. StateDirectors, ICDS Nodal Officers, Poshan Gyan Portal
16 Telangana Smt.Sunandha,
Joint Director (Admin &ICDS)
Government of Telangana
Mr. Johnson
Asst. Director (NNM)
WDCW Department,
Government of Telangana
Mobile: 9440324928
e-mail: pwjohny@gmail.com
17 West Bengal Mrs. Nilanjana Das
Director WCD and Social
Welfare
Govt. of West Bengal,
Mob No. 8334915554
Scpswb2013@gmail.com
Sri Pijush Saha
Assistant Director, ICDS
Mob. 08927800035
pijushsaha67@gmail.com
18 Haryana Smt. Hema Sharma
Director, Women and Child
Development Deptt.,
Govt. of Haryana, Base No.
15-20, Sector-4, Panchkula,
Chandigarh- 134112
Tel. No. 0172-2560349
Mob No. 9416935000
dgwcdhry@gmail.com
Ms. Rajbala Kataria
Joint Director (ICDS)
WCD Haryana Poshan Abhiyaan
Women and Child Development
Department Sec-4, Panchkula,
Haryana
Mob. 9416654430
poshan.wcd@gmail.com 65 Annexure
ANNEXURE II-II
LIST OF RESOURCE PERSONS FOR VARIOUS GOOD
PRACTICES ADOPTED BY STATES/UT s
S. No. InstitutionContact Details
1 Mission Shakti, Odisha Mr. Binod Kumar Jena, Joint Secretary
pmumissionshakti@gmail.com; 0674-2974093
2 Uttar Pradesh State Rural
Livelihood Mission
Mr. Bhanu Chandra Goswami, Mission Director
mdsrlmup9@gmail.com
3 Kudumbshree KeralaRenu Georgy, State Assistant Programme Manager,
Kudumbashree Mission, GoK
sapmkshree@gmail.com
9495369436
4 Telangana Foods
WDCW Department, Telangana
1. Sri. S. Yellamanda, Manager (Process)
mprocess.tsfoods@gmail.com
9989501532
2. Sri. N. Babu, Deputy Manager (Q.C)
qc.tsfoods@gmail.com
9989501552
5 Sahaspur Lohra
Jagdamba Samuh Gram Daroli
Chhattisgarh
Smt. Kiran, Programme Head
9755787081
7000789546 68
TAKE HOME RATION
Designed b y
TAKE HOME
RATION
GOOD PRACTICES-ACROSS THE STATES/UT s