NEW DELHI — In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Women and Child Development Smt. Savitri Thakur detailed the comprehensive restructuring and digital transformation of India’s flagship nutrition programs. Under the umbrella of Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, the government has integrated Anganwadi services, the Poshan Abhiyaan, and the Scheme for Adolescent Girls to accelerate improvements in national nutrition indicators.
The mission is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented across all States and Union Territories, with a focus on real-time monitoring and modernized infrastructure.
Digital Transformation: The ‘Poshan Tracker’
The Ministry has transitioned to a high-tech monitoring system to ensure transparency and eliminate leakages in service delivery.
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Real-Time Data: The Poshan Tracker application allows for near real-time collection of data regarding Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and beneficiaries.
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Biometric & Aadhaar Integration: The introduction of a Facial Recognition System (FRS) and Aadhaar-based tracking ensures that Take-Home Ration (THR) reaches only intended, registered beneficiaries, effectively eliminating “ghost entries.”
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Equipping Grassroots Workers: All Anganwadi Workers have been provided with smartphones and data recharge facilities to facilitate seamless digital entry.
Upgrading to “Saksham” Anganwadi Centres
The government has approved the upgradation of 2 lakh Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) into “Saksham” (capable) centers over a five-year period. These modernized hubs feature:
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Digital Infrastructure: Internet/Wi-Fi connectivity, LED screens, and smart learning aids.
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Health & Hygiene: Installation of water purifiers/RO machines and child-friendly artwork.
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Growth Monitoring: Every AWC is now equipped with Growth Monitoring Devices to track the physical development of children under six years of age.
Accountability and Public Access
To ensure horizontal and vertical accountability, the status of nutrition and program progress is now available to the public via a digital dashboard.
Public Dashboard: Citizens can track the health and nutrition status of children across all regions at poshantracker.in/statistics.
This data-driven approach enables both the Ministry and State governments to review implementation parameters constantly and make necessary course corrections to meet national nutrition goals.
