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CIA-I

Normative Reflections on India's National Nutrition Policy


[Sub. Code-BPOL441]

Faculty – Dr Chaitanya Pradeep N

Dept. of Political History and History, BGR Campus,

Christ (Deemed to be University)

Submitted by

VAMIL MAHESHWARI
2234159
4EMP
National Nutrition Policy of India
The National Nutrition Policy of India, came into effect in 1993 under the Department of
Women & Child Development. It seeks to improve the nutritional condition of vulnerable
populations which includes, women, children, and expectant mothers. Variety of techniques
are used to balance short-term priorities with long-term goals.
The policy focuses on correcting micronutrient deficiencies, extending child safety nets, and
guaranteeing adequate nourishment for target groups. The strategy has laid out its objectives,
such as lowering the rate of malnutrition, providing Integrated Child Development Services
(ICDS) to all adolescent girls from low-income families, and increasing production of food.
These actions are intended to enhance awareness, boost food production, and guarantee that
everyone has access to a healthy diet.
This research will examine and analyse the National Nutrition Policy (NNP) from a Public
Administration perspective. This method will focus on the policy's creation, execution, and
administration, as well as its effect and efficacy in combating malnutrition in the nation.
The rationale for selecting the NNP:
Malnutrition is a major issue in India, affecting millions of people, primarily women and
children. The NNP, created in 1993, provides a framework for addressing this essential
trouble, which makes it a pertinent and important policy to examine.
Normative Approach:
India's National Nutrition Policy shines brightly, striving to light the undercurrents of
malnutrition that affect the most at risk: women, children, and expecting mothers. It weaves a
tapestry of short-term action and long-term vision, addressing deficiencies in
micronutrients with targeted programmes, establishing safety nets such as developmental
services, and even planting seeds of a secure food supply through agricultural development.
Its attention to early childhood growth tracking and teenage female nutrition is
commendable since it ensures a healthy future generation. Setting specific goals for the
Integrated Child Development Services, such as eliminating malnutrition and increasing
access to all low-income adolescent females, adds to its value.
Yet, like a sunbeam passing through a dirty lens, the policy's merits are obscured by
unanswered questions like:

• Justice and Equity: Does the NNP properly target underserved populations such as
women and children. Does it address the systemic imbalances in power and
discriminatory behaviours that lead to malnutrition?
• Environmental Impact and Sustainability: Does the NNP prioritise food production
methods that are both nutritious and environmentally friendly? Does it examine the
environmental impact of dietary decisions and encourage diverse, locally sourced
foods?
• Transparency and Accountability: Are there clear systems in place to monitor and
assess the NNP's performance? Are stakeholders, primarily affected communities,
participating in the implementation and decision-making process?

• Values and Goals: Does the NNP prioritise all people's right to good health and
appropriate nutrition? Is it actively addressing societal inequities and ensuring that
everyone has equitable access to healthful food, regardless of financial class or
cultural background?

Existing Analysis methodologies:


To critically analyse the NNP, which is within the ethical framework, we may use numerous
research methodologies such as:
• Use policy analysis frameworks such as the Capabilities Approach or Rawlsian principles to
evaluate a policy's alignment with ethical principles and potential to increase human well-
being.
• Conducting case studies to learn from comparable events in other nations and develop better
ways.
• Conducted stakeholder meetings with communities impacted, nutritional specialists, and
NGOs to identify policy gaps.
Positivist Approach
Identifying alternatives:
Depending on the ethical analysis, other approaches might include:
• The policy aims to strengthen its dedication to having access to food and appropriate
nutrition, as outlined in international legal legislation.
• Decentralised governance empowers local communities to set nutrition and food priorities
and handle resources effectively.
• Prioritise preventative measures including early childhood, maternal health,
interventions, education, and food distribution programmes.
• Encouraging varied, locally-sourced, and nutrient-rich foods, while promoting
environmentally friendly farming practices.
Additional Policy Measures:
The government of India has built a nationwide institutional structure to monitor the National
Nutrition Policy (NNP) implementation. The National Council on Nutrition (NCN) is in
charge of establishing and overseeing the country's nutritional goals and objectives, while the
National Nutrition Resource Centre (NNRC) offers training and research assistance to the
NCN and other stakeholders. Furthermore, State Nutrition Missions (SNMs) have been
tasked with executing the NNP at the state level.
In terms of nutrition programmes and interventions, the government has introduced efforts
like the Poshan Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission), which aims to reduce stunting in
children under the age of five by 2% points every year. The Integrated Child Development
Services (ICDS) programme is a universal programme that serves children under the age of
six, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. The Mid-Day Meal Scheme provides
healthy meals to children in government schools and other qualifying organisations, while the
National Food Security Act (NFSA) provides subsidised food grains to low-income
households, therefore improving food security.

Evidence and Case Studies :


A study conducted by the National Institute of Nutrition, for example, revealed that a
nutritional education initiative for pregnant women in India resulted in a significant reduction
in the prevalence of anaemia and preterm births. Another study conducted by the World
Health Organisation revealed that nutrition education courses for kids in India resulted in
significant changes in their height and weight.

Conclusion:
The National Nutrition Policy of India (NNP) is at a crossroads. While it could prove to be a
significant weapon in combating the country's severe malnutrition epidemic, its success is
dependent on an important revision via a normative lens. Analysing the NNP through the
lenses of equality, equity, sustainability, and moral devotion to human rights exposes both its
virtues and its flaws. Addressing these flaws through alternate approaches, such as
prioritising environmentally friendly agriculture, empowering marginalised people, and
guaranteeing accountability, might elevate the NNP from a thoughtful policy to a really
transformational force for good. It's time for a paradigm shift. India can only really nurture its
people and achieve a just and equitable future if it adopts a based on rights, sustainable, and
participative strategy.
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