Uttarakhand Mahila Poshan Yojana — Women Nutrition

What is Uttarakhand Mahila Poshan Yojana?

Uttarakhand Mahila Poshan Yojana is the state's nutrition programme implemented through the ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services) network — specifically through anganwadi centres in every village and urban ward. It provides free nutritional supplements and health services to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under 6 years.

Given Uttarakhand's terrain challenges and high rates of anaemia and malnutrition in remote mountain districts, this programme is critical for maternal and child health.

Key Beneficiaries and Benefits

Take-Home Ration (THR)

THR is monthly dry ration provided at anganwadi for home consumption:

• For pregnant/lactating women: Fortified rice, dal, oil, micronutrient mix
• For children 6-36 months: Fortified complementary food (ready-to-cook/eat)
• Calorie target: 500–600 kcal/day supplemental for women; 300 kcal/day for children

Services at Anganwadi

In addition to nutrition:

• Height and weight measurement (monthly) for children
• Growth monitoring — plotted on growth chart
• Vitamin A supplementation (children 9 months–5 years) — twice a year
• Referral to PHC/CHC for severe malnutrition (SAM/MAM cases)
• Early childhood education (Bal Vatika) — pre-school activities for 3–6 year olds

Who is Eligible?

All of the following in Uttarakhand:

• Pregnant women registered at anganwadi (register as soon as pregnancy confirmed)
• Lactating mothers up to 6 months after delivery
• Children aged 0–6 years
• Adolescent girls aged 11–18 registered at anganwadi

No income limit — services are universal at anganwadi.

How to Register

Step 1 — Visit Nearest Anganwadi Centre

Every village and urban ward has an anganwadi centre. Visit and meet the Anganwadi Worker (AWW).

Step 2 — Register

Provide:

• Aadhaar card of mother and child (if born)
• Aadhaar of family members (PPP/ration card details)
• Pregnancy registration slip from ANM / ASHA (if pregnant)

Step 3 — Start Receiving Benefits

Once registered:

• Monthly THR collection from anganwadi (specific collection day)
• Health check-up and growth monitoring at centre

Frequently Asked Questions

1. I am pregnant and live in a remote village in Chamoli. Can I access this?

Yes. Anganwadi workers cover even remote villages on regular routes. If you cannot reach the anganwadi, the AWW or ASHA will often deliver THR to your home for pregnant women in early stages.

2. My child is 4 years old and severely underweight. What help can the anganwadi give?

The anganwadi refers Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) cases to the nearby Nutritional Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) or PHC. Your child will receive specialized therapeutic food and treatment. Inform the AWW immediately.

3. I delivered at home (not in hospital). Can I still get lactating mother benefits?

Yes. Delivery location doesn't determine anganwadi eligibility. Register as a lactating mother at the anganwadi after delivery. Home birth should be registered with the Gram Panchayat for a birth certificate.

4. Is there any cash benefit under this scheme?

The cash benefit for pregnant women is under PMMVY (Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana) — ₹5,000 in installments for the first live birth. Register at the anganwadi for both THR (in-kind) and PMMVY (cash).

5. What is the Bal Vatika programme?

Bal Vatika is the pre-school education component at anganwadi for children 3–6 years. It provides play-based early learning to prepare children for Class 1. Anganwadi workers conduct daily sessions.

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