India stands firmly committed to reducing the burden of malnutrition and achieving full potential of its children. At the Global Nutrition meet in London, Women and Child Development minister, Ms Krishna Tirath said, nutrition is being given the highest attention and priority by the government. Ms Tirath informed that the Integrated Child Development Services, ICDS, scheme is being strengthened and restructured with programmatic, institutional and managerial reforms along with enhanced financial commitment from an annual average of 3.5 billion US Dollars to over 6.5 billion US Dollars. Elaborating on the ICDS, the minister said that the programme is reaching about 80 million children under six years and 20 million expecting and nursing mothers through a network of 1.3 million Anganwadis.
The Minister highlighted the achievements under the National Rural Health Mission. She said that while a multi-sectoral Nutrition Action Programme in 200 high burden districts is being considered, the National Food Security Bill, 2011 is also under consideration of the Parliament.