Abstract

This report examines the Mathrupoorna, Ksheera Bhagya, and Srusti schemes in Karnataka, which aim to improve maternal and child health through nutritional interventions. The study assesses the level of awareness, utilisation, and perceived benefits of these schemes, along with the challenges faced during their implementation. Data was gathered through household surveys, focus group discussions, and interviews with beneficiaries, Anganwadi workers, and government officials. Key findings reveal varying degrees of awareness and satisfaction among beneficiaries.

The Mathrupoorna scheme, which provides hot cooked meals to pregnant and lactating mothers, showed better uptake among pregnant women than lactating mothers. The Ksheera Bhagya scheme, providing milk to school and pre-school children, and the Srusti scheme, supplying eggs, indicated positive impacts on child nutrition but also highlighted issues such as irregular supply and cultural acceptability. Recommendations include strengthening awareness campaigns to improve scheme participation, ensuring consistent quality and supply of nutritional provisions, and addressing infrastructure and resource gaps at Anganwadi centres. Additionally, enhancing the training and support for Anganwadi workers is crucial for effective scheme delivery. This evaluation aims to provide actionable insights for policymakers to refine these nutritional programs, thereby improving health outcomes for women and children in Karnataka. The study underscores the importance of targeted nutritional interventions and the need for continuous monitoring and community engagement to ensure their success.

CBPS (2019). Mathrupoorna, Ksheera Bhagya and Srusti Schemes in Karnataka: A review of awareness and delivery (2019). Centre for Budget and Policy Studies and United Nations Children Fund, India.