Public-Private Partnership For Food Security in India Through PM-Poshan Scheme

Abstract

Food, water and shelter are the elementary prerequisite for human survival and their well-being. Food provides the necessary nutrients to fuel the body’s functions; access to adequate quantity of safe and nutritious food is a fundamental human right. However, India still faces challenges in ensuring food security for all its citizens leading to malnutrition, dehydration, and various health issues. Food security in India is a crucial issue that affects millions of people, particularly those living in poverty. The Government has implemented various measures to address this issue, including enactment of the National Food Security Act 2013. Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM-Poshan) earlier known as Mid-Day Meal Scheme is a great measure to tackle the problem of malnutrition among children. The program is based on a multi-sectoral approach involving the health, nutrition and sanitation sectors through community-based monitoring and behaviour change communication. The Government has allocated significant funds for the program and has also partnered with various stakeholders through public-private partnership model (PPPs). Still, there are significant gaps and loopholes in the implementation of these policies. This article brings out the intermediatory role of Akshaya Patra under the PPP Model to overcome the emerging challenges towards the implementation of this scheme.