A Comparative Study of Nutritional Programmes in Andhra Pradesh

Despite its enormous strides in economic development, India is yet to exhibit similar progress in its human development indicators like nutritional status of its children. In this context, this study examines the two prominent nutritional programs in Andhra Pradesh, namely Integrated Child Development Services operated through Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) and Nutrition cum Day Care Centres (NDCCs) operated by women self help group federations. It points out that the focus in AWCs is disproportionately on children above three years, while 90% of the brain’s growth happens in the first three years. While NDCCs model addresses this issue, the lack of steady flow of funds offsets the commendable nutritional programme in place. In addition, multiple departments handling maternal and child health (MCH) has blurred lines of accountability at the field level. Therefore, this report argues for a restructuring of MCH services by delineating services provided to children above three years and transferring them to education department. Health department could handle the rest of the MCH services, including the nutritional programmes through mothers’ committees. Such an arrangement will restore the focus on children below three years, draw up clear lines of accountability and increase the beneficiary participation in the delivery of MCH services.