Lok Sabha Question No. 781 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-29
Subject: Quality of Food in Anganwadi Centres
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Shri P V Midhun Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 781

TO BE ANSWERED ON 29.11.2024

## QUALITY OF FOOD IN ANGANWADI CENTRES

781. SHRI P V MIDHUN REDDY:

Will the Minister of WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has conducted any assessment regarding the quality of food provided in Anganwadi Centres across the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) the  steps  taken/proposed  to  be  taken  by  the  Government  to  ensure  that nutritious  and  safe  food  is  consistently  provided  at  Anganwadi  Centres, especially in rural and remote areas;
- (d) whether  any  case  of  substandard  food  have  been  reported  in  Anganwadi Centres during the last three years; and
- (e) if so, the action taken against those responsible

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI SAVITRI THAKUR)

(a) to (e) Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 [earlier known as Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme] was launched in 1975. It has now been revamped as Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 (hereinafter referred to as Mission  Poshan  2.0).  It  is  an  Integrated  Nutrition  Support  Programme  and  it  is  a Centrally  Sponsored  Scheme.   The  implementation  of  the  scheme  falls  under  the ambit of State Governments/ UT Administrations. The Scheme aims to address the challenge of child malnutrition and maternal under-nutrition through proper nutrition content and its effective delivery. It further aims to create a convergent eco-system to develop practices that nurture health, wellness and immunity.

This Ministry continuously monitors the implementation of Mission 2.0 by sustained engagement with the States/UTs through Video Conferences, meetings and online Poshan Tracker System.

Ministry has issued guidelines to all States/UTs on 13.01.2021 to streamline several aspects  such  as  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 the delivery of Supplementary Nutrition.

Under the guidelines, the District Magistrate (DM) has been designated as the Nodal Point  in  the  district  for  monitoring  nutritional  status  of  beneficiaries  and  quality standards. A District Nutrition Committee under the chairpersonship of DM/Collector with certified nutrition experts as members has been constituted to review the progress every month.

Further, States/UTs ensure the quality of Supplementary Nutrition, Take Home Ration (THR) and Hot Cooked Meal (HCM) with reference to the norms as per the Food Safety Act. States/UTs carry out periodic random sample checks through Food Safety and Standards Authority of India FSSAI owned/registered/empanelled/NABL accredited laboratory. In case of Hot Cooked Meal, it is ensured that it is prepared in proper kitchen sheds having adequate sanitation and safe drinking water so as to maintain hygienic conditions. LPG cylinder and gas stove are used for cooking.

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