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Title: A STUDY OF POLICY ALTERNATIVES TO IMPROVE THE LEVEL OF MICRONUTRIENT DEFICIENCY IN WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN INDIA
Authors: Dr. Pradeep S. Chauhan
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Dr. Pradeep S. Chauhan Department of Economics (UC), Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra
MLA 8 Chauhan, Dr. Pradeep S. "A STUDY OF POLICY ALTERNATIVES TO IMPROVE THE LEVEL OF MICRONUTRIENT DEFICIENCY IN WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN INDIA." Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research, vol. 4, no. 1, Jan. 2019, pp. 80-91, ijsser.org/more2019.php?id=09. Accessed Jan. 2019. APA Chauhan, D. (2019, January). A STUDY OF POLICY ALTERNATIVES TO IMPROVE THE LEVEL OF MICRONUTRIENT DEFICIENCY IN WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN INDIA. Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research, 4(1), 80-91. Retrieved from ijsser.org/more2019.php?id=09 Chicago Chauhan, Dr. Pradeep S. "A STUDY OF POLICY ALTERNATIVES TO IMPROVE THE LEVEL OF MICRONUTRIENT DEFICIENCY IN WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN INDIA." Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research 4, no. 1 (January 2019), 80-91. Accessed January, 2019. ijsser.org/more2019.php?id=09.
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Abstract: The deficiency of micronutrients is a serious problem in India, particularly among children under two and women of childbearing age. Expectant and nursing mothers are especially vulnerable to micronutrient deficiencies. Effects of micronutrient deficiencies such as weakened immune systems, overall morbidity, and stunted childhood growth are reversible in the critical age group of 0 to 2. Providing children with the essential nutrients lacking in their diets during infancy is essential as it can lead to long-lasting health benefits. Understanding this framework will help in identifying gaps in current efforts to address micronutrient deficiencies and improve the current situation. At present, India has Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program along with National Health Mission (NHM) to address these requirements of pregnant and lactating women (PLW) and children under the age of six, especially in resource poor population. These interventions have not been very successful in eradicating multi micronutrient deficiencies as the scope is limited to only a few micronutrients such as Vitamin A ,iron and folic acid (IFA) etc. The present interventions also reflect a missed opportunity to effectively address this vital issue having an intergenerational impact on the growth and development of the nation. Micronutrient deficiency is called 'hidden hunger' as it is not experienced as food hunger by an individual but affects the proper functioning of the body adversely. An individual's working capacity, productivity and life chances are largely determined by it. This is directly related to morbidity and mortality in children. This paper have discussed the causes of deficiency and policy alternatives to remove the deficiency. The four policy alternatives includes status quo ,fortification ,supplementation and food coupon were discussed and analyzed on the basis of evaluation criteria. This criteria included effectiveness ,efficiency and equity.

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