VEDANTA KHUSHI - MINT - STATES SHOULD SPEND MORE ON NUTRITION

Greater fiscal autonomy has not yet translated into higher spending on nutrition by states

Malancha Chakrabarty I September 11th, 2017

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi once said, “There are people in the world so hungry, that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread.” Sadly, hunger and undernutrition continue to plague our country. India’s record in addressing undernutrition is abysmal. With a stunting rate of 38.4%, India accounts for about a third of the world’s stunted children. The proportion of wasted children in India increased from 19.8% in 2005-06 to 21% in 2015-16. Moreover, in states like Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, more than 40% of the children are underweight. Thus, nutrition should be high on India’s list of development priorities.

To be fair, India has a number of nutrition intervention programmes under different ministries. In absolute terms, India’s expenditure on nutrition schemes is quite high at Rs2.98 trillion but this is woefully inadequate if we take into account the level of deprivation in India.

Moreover, dramatic changes in the fiscal architecture based on the recommendations of the Fourteenth Finance Commission have raised serious concerns with regard to public spending on nutrition.

There has been a substantial decline in allocation for Central schemes. The Integrated Child Development Services Scheme (ICDS), a key scheme which provides basic education and health services to women and children below six years, suffered serious budget cuts. Allocation for ICDS declined consistently from Rs16,684 crore in 2014-15 to Rs15,489 crore in 2015-16 and Rs14,736 crore in 2016-17. Although 2017-18 saw an increase in the allocation for ICDS to Rs16,745.2 crore, this figure is only 0.5% higher than the actual expenditure incurred in 2014-15.

In the case of other schemes, like the Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls, also known as Sabla, and the Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS), budget cuts were deeper. The outlay for Sabla declined from Rs622.4 crore in 2014-15 to Rs475.2 crore in 2015-16, and to Rs460 crore in 2016-17. In 2017-18, the allocation has been kept at the same level as 2016-17, which actually implies a decrease in allocation in real terms.

In the case of MDMS, there was a persistent decline in allocation from Rs10,917.6 crore in 2013-14 to Rs10,523.4 crore in 2014-15, and further down to Rs9,144.9 crore in 2015-16. In 2017-18, there was only a 3% increase in allocation, from Rs9,700 crore in 2016-17 to Rs10,000 crore. Again, the allocation in 2017-18 is lower than the actual expenditure of Rs10,761.4 crore incurred under the scheme in 2012-13. Even the 3% increase over last year does not mean much if inflation is factored in.

However, some Central schemes did witness an increase in allocation. The Maternity Benefit Programme, a conditional cash transfer to pregnant and lactating women to provide compensation for wage loss and adequate nutrition and rest, witnessed an increase in allocation from Rs634 crore in 2016-17 to Rs2,700 crore in 2017-18. The total cost of the programme up to 2019-20 is Rs12,661 crore for 5.17 million beneficiaries. However, nutrition experts regard this as inadequate because the number of beneficiaries under other schemes, notably the Janani Suraksha Yojana, was much higher at about 7.5 million, and that too in 2015-16.

Although the whole argument behind fiscal restructuring was that with more resources at their disposal, states would step up their expenditure, data on state budget allocation for nutrition schemes is not encouraging.

In fact, 2015-16 witnessed a decline in budget allocation in many states. In Uttar Pradesh, the total budget outlays for nutrition-specific interventions declined from Rs4,358.1 crore in 2014-15 to Rs4,054.9 crore in 2015-16, and subsequently increased to Rs4,573.3 crore in 2016-17. Budget outlays for micronutrient supplementation and deworming declined from Rs67.7 crore in 2014-15 to Rs58.9 crore in 2015-16, and Rs56.5 crore in 2016-17.

Similarly, in Odisha, the budget for nutrition-specific interventions declined from Rs1,188 crore in 2014-15 to Rs961 crore in 2015-16, and then increased to Rs1,302 crore in 2016-17.

In Bihar, there was a small increase in the allocation for nutrition-specific interventions, from Rs1,778 crore in 2014-15 to Rs1,972 crore in 2016-17. Rajasthan witnessed a modest increase in outlay for nutrition-specific schemes from Rs975 crore in 2014-15 to Rs1,022 crore in 2015-16 and Rs 1,106 crore in 2016-17. But budget allocation for nutrition-specific schemes in 2016-17 is 13% lower than the budget allocation in 2014-15.

Thus, greater fiscal autonomy has not yet translated into higher spending on nutrition by states.

Two critical questions emerge. First, can the Centre renege on its responsibility at a time when a large proportion of India’s children are undernourished?

Second, given that states have a greater responsibility, what can be done to ensure that they step up their allocation for nutrition?

While the former is an ideological question, here are some recommendations for the latter. Firstly, the Centre and state should work together to set nutrition targets for every state and district. Secondly, the Centre should play a more proactive role in monitoring the nutrition programmes of every state. Lastly, effective steps need to be undertaken to upgrade capacity at the state level.

Read On: http://www.livemint.com/Opinion/m4LD40v1SB6S4OOSs0FCoL/States-should-spend-more-on-nutrition.html  

Malancha Chakrabarty is associate fellow at the Observer Research Foundation.

SMT. ANITA BADHEL INAUGURATES 2 NAND GHARS IN UDAIPUR, DEDICATES 318 ANGANWADI CENTRES IN KHUSHI

So far, more than 100 “Nand Ghars” have been constructed across three states and 2911 Anganwadi Centres have joined “Khushi” Project…

On 4th August, 2017, 2 more “Nand Ghars” - Dhawaditalai and Main Rawa were inaugurated in Rawa village of Girwa Block at Udaipur District by Chief Guest – Smt. Anita Bhadel – Hon’ble Minister of Women and Child Development, Government of Rajasthan and now 20 Nand Ghars have been constructed in Udaipur district with 100 more Nand Ghars in pipeline.

During the inaugural ceremony, Smt. Bhadel said “For the progress of the country, along with infrastructure development, it is important to focus on  human development. Anganwadis strengthens the foundation of children below the age of seven years - their nutrition, health and education. Government and Vedanta Hindustan Zinc have come forward with well-equipped facilities for both mother and child including skill training for women in the form of ‘Nand Ghar’. Now communities have to take the responsibility of Nand Ghars to make it successful”.

To make the project more cohesive, “Nand Ghar” act as a focal area for immunisation, gender sensitisation and maternal care. It also aims to enhance the learning environment through an e-learning module and skill enhancement program for women where they will undergo entrepreneurship training, including skill enhancement, to start their own micro enterprise with credit linkages, thereby increasing their contribution towards the Indian economy.

During her visit to Udaipur, Smt. Bhadel also launched “Khushi” project in Chawand village wherein 318 Anganwadi Centres of Sarada Block have been included under the project as part of Phase-2.

During the launch program, Smt. Bhadel said “Through Khushi project, Anganwadi program will be strengthened to improve attendance, health and the well-being of Anganwadi children. Now communities have to come forward and support it by actively participating in it".

In year 2015, Hindustan Zinc signed the MoU with Government of Rajasthan to strengthen 3055 Anganwadis of the ICDS Department in 5 districts i.e. Udaipur, Rajsamand, Chittorgarh, Bhilwara and Ajmer of Rajasthan under its flagship project “Khushi” in 2 phases.

Last year under “Khushi” project, Hindustan Zinc reached out to 2295 Anganwadi centres in 5 districts of Rajasthan in phase 1. So far in Udaipur district, Hindustan Zinc with partner NGO – Seva Mandir has included 1157 Anganwadi Centres under “Khushi” Project.

VEDANTA HINDUSTAN ZINC OPENS 2 NAND GHARS IN AJMER, RAJASTHAN

Delivering long-term benefits to communities by strengthening the foundation of children below the age of seven years - their nutrition, health and education… 

The report says, there are 7.5 crore underprivileged children living in remote rural areas, below the age of seven years, who are in need of proper nutrition, health care and education. Our primary focus, therefore, is to start at the grass root level with the holistic development of children and women, who form the future of our nation.

This is where, Vedanta came up with the concept of “Nand Ghar" designed in partnership with the ministry of women and child development. It is an extension to the existing Anganwadi initiative for providing a better environment to the children of India by addressing issues relating to pre-primary education, health care, nutrition and economic empowerment for women in rural India.

Mr. Anil Agarwal – Chairman, Vedanta Group believes “In order to secure the future of India, we have to safeguard the present. To strengthen the foundation of children, it is important to address issues relating to pre-primary education, health care, nutrition for children and economic empowerment for women in rural India”.

Taking his vision forward, Vedanta has joined hands with the Government to revamp 4000 anganwadi centres across India under the Project ‘Nand Ghar’. Today, more than 100 “Nand Ghars” across three states has resulted in marked improvement in attendance, learning abilities and school readiness, by deploying e-learning modules in education and soft skills in collaboration with world-class partners and they are now equipped with TVs, solar panels and toilets. 

On 31^st July, 2017, 2 “Nand Ghars” - Khanpura & Parbatpura have also been inaugurated in Ajmer District by the Chief Guest - Ms. Anita Bhadel – Hon’ble Minister of Women and Child Development, Government of Rajasthan and with this 10 Nand Ghars have been constructed in Ajmer district with 25 more Nand Ghars are in pipeline.

During the inaugural ceremony, Ms. Bhadel said “Government and Vedanta Hindustan Zinc have done their bit by providing well equipped facilities for primary education, nutrition services along with related healthcare services for both mother and child including skill training for women, it’s now the communities have to come forward and support it by actively participating in it.” She also mentioned that if a mother anchors the responsibility of her child’s education, the benefit will percolate to her next 7 generations.

To make the project more cohesive, “Nand Ghar” act as a focal area for immunisation, gender sensitisation and maternal care. It also aims to enhance the learning environment through an e-learning module and skill enhancement program for women where they will undergo entrepreneurship training, including skill enhancement, to start their own micro enterprise with credit linkages, thereby increasing their contribution towards the Indian economy.

The Nand Ghars are in line with Prime Minister of India’s vision of social development and will prove to be a stepping stone for building the future human capital as productive, passionate and persistent towards the growth.

Also present on the occasion were Mrs. Neelima Khetan – Head CSR, HZL, Mr. Sampat Sankhla – Dy. Mayor, Ajmer,  Mrs. Anupama Tailor – Dy. Director, Women & Child Development, Mr. Nitesh Yadav - ICDS, Mr. Raes Ahemad - Counsellor along with Anganwadi workers and Hindustan Zinc’s CSR representatives.

VEDANTA KHUSHI - TIMES OF INDIA - ONLY 3% UNDER-5 KIDS ON PROPER DIET

Rosamma Thomas I TNN I April 7, 2017 I Jaipur

As Rajasthan celebrates the World Health Day on Friday, malnourishment among children has cropped up as a big problem area that needs to be addressed without any delay.

To mark the occasion, the NGO, Child Rights and You (CRY), released data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS 2016-17) (see graphic) in which the state has emerged as a definite laggard, with only 3% of the under-five children receiving "adequate diet", defined as breast-fed kids receiving a minimum of three feeds and others getting milk or milk products at least twice a day.

One study shows that malnutrition is so widespread that mothers have failed to recognize it.

In early 2015, after screening 12 lakh children, the government had identified over 4,000 of them as 'severely acutely malnourished' (SAM).

A rapid survey by the women and child development department and UNICEF found over 35% of the under-five children as malnourished, with the largest number reported from Baran, among Sahariya tribals.

In a paper published in Economic and Political Weekly (EPW) in August last year, Pavitra Mohan, Kumaril Agarwal and Priyanka Jain pointed to the "normalization" of malnutrition in Rajasthan. Over 60% of the mothers who claimed their children were normal were wrong as their kids were malnourished.

Economist and Nobel Prize winner Angus Deaton has pointed to poor sanitation and infections as eroding nutrition levels in India.

Besides, the children's diet lacks protein and fat. Malnutrition leaves them vulnerable to disease and early death. According to NFHS data, 41 babies from every lakh die in the state and 51 do not survive beyond the age of five.

The EPW paper, based on research done in the southern districts of Udaipur, Dungarpur, Banwara and Rajsamand, with a high tribal population prone to out-migration, showed that about 20% of the mothers from nearly 500 households surveyed reported the loss of a child.

The authors found that "only about 28% of the children consumed milk. Almost none of them had consumed egg, meat or fish over the last 24 hours. Fewer than 10% reported consuming appropriate and nutritional food items such as 'daliya' (porridge), rice, pulses and vegetables or fruits, and even those had it in small quantities. A significant proportion of children were given tea, biscuits and and 'namkeen' (fried snacks)". One mother reported that she only bought milk when the child fell sick. "Otherwise, we cannot afford milk."

Fifty-eight per cent of the mothers studied by the EPW authors were malnourished as well, struggling to cope with the heavy demands of motherhood and housework.

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Trupti Rane of CRY said, "Malnourishment in early years is directly linked to maternal health. Poorly nourished, expecting and lactating mothers pass on their deficiencies to the child. Having newborns breastfed within the first hour of birth is critical for baby nutrition. Colostrum (the first milk of the mother), extremely rich in nutrients and antibodies, ensures basic nutrition and immunization. Universalization of anganwadi centres and robust growth monitoring measures can lead to a lasting solution of this issue."

The article also pointed to the failure of government provisioning - only a fourth of the people studied sought healthcare from a public facility.

"Nutritional support offered by PDS remains low, both due to poor functioning and the scheme being limited to grains and sugar (with no pulses or oil)," the authors note. Only 3.6% of women reported working under the MGNREGA scheme.

Chhaya Pachauli of NGO Prayas said, "Both public health and ICDS infrastructure are in awful shape. Outreach services and counselling which could go a long way in preventing malnutrition are hardly prioritized. Government may introduce endless schemes, but until there's a boost in budget for health and nutrition, not much improvement can be expected. Efforts to strengthen health, nutrition, sanitation and PDS need to go hand in hand."

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/only-3-under-5-kids-on-proper-diet/articleshow/58057402.cms

VEDANTA KHUSHI – VIJAY AND HIS “KHUSHI” SAYS IT ALL…

One more step towards fight against Child Malnutrition

3 months back when Lakshmi, a 15 months old daughter of Radheshyam Gameti from Negadia Bheel Basti at Rajsamand was admitted to the hospital to fight against malnutrition, few more such cases got highlighted at that time in Rajsamand.

 

On such case was that of a 18 months old ‘Vijay’ living in Bijnaul village of Rajsamand. Vijay was suffering from severe malnourishment and had haemoglobin as low as 3.5 g/dl whereas child of his age has normally haemoglobin of 10.3 – 12 g/dl.

When "Khushi" team came to know about it, they tried convincing his mother Ratni Bheel to admit Vijay to hospital for the treatment but being religiously superstitious she simply refused and continued believing that prayers will heal his son. This did not stop "Khushi" team in making efforts and finally with the help of local administration they admitted Vijay to the hospital where his treatment started.

Problem did not end here, it was not just the lack of education and awareness that had been responsible for Vijay’s deteriorated health but also poverty and inadequate food to eat at his home. Seeing the grave situation,"Khushi" team took the help of social media and local authorities to arrange proper food including Dal and Rice for the family especially for Vijay to improve his health.

Today, Vijay has recovered from Malnutrition and has haemoglobin of 10.2 g/dl. With this, Ratni Bheel has also understood that not just prayers at temple will cure the ailment but visit to hospital is also important for treatment.

According to the status report on Anganwadi (day care centre) programme, officially known as ICDS, about 2.3 cr children in India, up to 6 years of age are suffering from undernourishment and are under-weight.

Hindustan Zinc’s Child Care Campaign – "Khushi" has always believed in creating awareness about health, education and nutrition in children. By saving life of Vijay and Lakshmi, it has only strengthen their mission to make India a child malnourished free nation.

STUDENTS PAINTING THE CANVAS DURING KHUSHI CREATIVE WORKSHOP HELD ON 23RD NOVEMBER 2016

A GLIMPSE OF KHUSHI CREATIVE WORKSHOP ON 23RD NOVEMBER 2016

250 CHILDREN PAINT “KHUSHI” IN UDAIPUR

A child’s mind is like a fertile ground on which ideas can be grown. Indeed the children have the power to change the world, it is only a matter of sensitising them of the social issues that the world has to deal with.

With this thought, Hindustan Zinc – a Vedanta Group Company in Zinc-Lead-Silver business, organized “Khushi Creative Workshop” for the children of classes 6^th to 12^th. On 23^rd November 2016, Udaipur saw 250 kids from the schools - Delhi Public School Udaipur, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Seedling School, Ryan International, The Study, Bohra Youth School, DAV, St. Mary’s Convent, Vidya Bhawan and St. Matthews exhibiting their thoughts on child care.

Carried out at over 10 popular locations of Udaipur - Delhi Gate, Saheliyon ki Badi, Sukhadiya Circle, Chetak Circle, Field Club, Gulab Bagh, Panchwati, Fatehpura, Science College along with Hindustan Zinc Office-Yashad Bhawan - 8 selected students from each of the schools painted on one of the 8 pre-identified child care themes - Child Marriage, Child Abuse, Child Beggary, Save the Girl Child, Child Trafficking, Child Labour, Child Malnutrition and Child Education.

Along with the painting competition, the schools displayed their enthusiasm for Khushi and actively conducted performances of band, skits and interesting street plays along with choir. The students played instruments like drums, harmonium, bagpipers etc., dramatized various issues relating to child care and women empowerment, raised banners and placards and also sang touching songs. 

The founder of project “Khushi”, and Head Corporate Communication – Hindustan Zinc, Pavan Kaushik informed that the schools have shown keen interest and in a span of about 5 days he met about 3000 students and the children were found keen to bring necessary change in the society.

“While the Government is taking forward Digital India, Make in India and Skill India, there is a dire need to initiate Human Resources of India. The country is passing through a transition period. We are growing at each front but we also have to see what future generation has in store for India. About 6 crore children in India are deprived of health, education and nutrition. India contributes to largest child deaths, largest malnourished children and largest street children in the world. The future generation that is expected to take the country forward need to be addressed today.” Pavan Kaushik said.

In this Khushi Creative Workshop, children aimed to reach out to about 75% of Udaipur population and convey sensitivity of children of Udaipur towards child related issues.

A designated jury took rounds to all the 10 locations and motivated school children for the cause. The jury also made the children understand the concept and how they perceived and dealt with delicate issues painted on the canvas.  

The winners will be later awarded at a ceremony at Hindustan Zinc office -Yashad Bhawan in Udaipur.

Pavan Kaushik also informed that “Hindustan Zinc has been working to provide nutrition, health and education to deprived children in Rajasthan through association with Anganwadis. As part of promoting the cause of child care Hindustan Zinc launched project “Khushi” about 5 years back. The objective of “Khushi” is to bring together similar minds that can then drive the cause of child care. Project “Khushi” has over 200,000 followers across the world and everyone wants to help the deprived children.  There is no donation required and neither do we accept. We just want people to develop a sense of responsibility towards these children” said Pavan Kaushik.

Earlier, Khushi had organized workshops for the slum children on education, health and sanitation, nutrition and moral values.

250 CHILDREN PAINT “KHUSHI” IN UDAIPUR

A child’s mind is like a fertile ground on which ideas can be grown. Indeed the children have the power to change the world, it is only a matter of sensitising them of the social issues that the world has to deal with.

With this thought, Hindustan Zinc – a Vedanta Group Company in Zinc-Lead-Silver business, organized “Khushi Creative Workshop” for the children of classes 6^th to 12^th. On 23^rd November 2016, Udaipur saw 250 kids from the schools - Delhi Public School Udaipur, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Seedling School, Ryan International, The Study, Bohra Youth School, DAV, St. Mary’s Convent, Vidya Bhawan and St. Matthews exhibiting their thoughts on child care.

Carried out at over 10 popular locations of Udaipur - Delhi Gate, Saheliyon ki Badi, Sukhadiya Circle, Chetak Circle, Field Club, Gulab Bagh, Panchwati, Fatehpura, Science College along with Hindustan Zinc Office-Yashad Bhawan - 8 selected students from each of the schools painted on one of the 8 pre-identified child care themes - Child Marriage, Child Abuse, Child Beggary, Save the Girl Child, Child Trafficking, Child Labour, Child Malnutrition and Child Education.

Along with the painting competition, the schools displayed their enthusiasm for Khushi and actively conducted performances of band, skits and interesting street plays along with choir. The students played instruments like drums, harmonium, bagpipers etc., dramatized various issues relating to child care and women empowerment, raised banners and placards and also sang touching songs. 

The founder of project “Khushi”, and Head Corporate Communication – Hindustan Zinc, Pavan Kaushik informed that the schools have shown keen interest and in a span of about 5 days he met about 3000 students and the children were found keen to bring necessary change in the society.

“While the Government is taking forward Digital India, Make in India and Skill India, there is a dire need to initiate Human Resources of India. The country is passing through a transition period. We are growing at each front but we also have to see what future generation has in store for India. About 6 crore children in India are deprived of health, education and nutrition. India contributes to largest child deaths, largest malnourished children and largest street children in the world. The future generation that is expected to take the country forward need to be addressed today.” Pavan Kaushik said.

In this Khushi Creative Workshop, children aimed to reach out to about 75% of Udaipur population and convey sensitivity of children of Udaipur towards child related issues.

A designated jury took rounds to all the 10 locations and motivated school children for the cause. The jury also made the children understand the concept and how they perceived and dealt with delicate issues painted on the canvas.  

The winners will be later awarded at a ceremony at Hindustan Zinc office -Yashad Bhawan in Udaipur.

Pavan Kaushik also informed that “Hindustan Zinc has been working to provide nutrition, health and education to deprived children in Rajasthan through association with Anganwadis. As part of promoting the cause of child care Hindustan Zinc launched project “Khushi” about 5 years back. The objective of “Khushi” is to bring together similar minds that can then drive the cause of child care. Project “Khushi” has over 200,000 followers across the world and everyone wants to help the deprived children.  There is no donation required and neither do we accept. We just want people to develop a sense of responsibility towards these children” said Pavan Kaushik.

Earlier, Khushi had organized workshops for the slum children on education, health and sanitation, nutrition and moral values.