NITI Aayog and UNICEF India on Thursday signed a Statement of Intent (SOI) to strengthen nutrition-related initiatives in Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks across the country.
The partnership aims to improve maternal and child nutrition in underserved regions by leveraging the expertise and resources of both organisations. The agreement was signed by Rohit Kumar, Additional Secretary at NITI Aayog and Mission Director of the Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programme, and Arjan de Wagt, Deputy Representative of UNICEF India.
Boost to Nutrition and Health Programmes
According to NITI Aayog, the collaboration will enhance the effective implementation of nutrition and health programmes at the block level and increase the participation of various stakeholders.
Rohit Kumar said partnerships with organisations like UNICEF will help address key challenges related to health and nutrition while improving the delivery of services at the grassroots level.
CSR Investments to Support Nutrition Initiatives
Under this initiative, UNICEF’s platform IMPAct4Nutrition (I4N) will provide technical support and help mobilise Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) investments for nutrition programmes.
The platform will connect companies, public sector undertakings and industry bodies to channel CSR funding toward strengthening nutrition interventions in vulnerable regions.
Focus on Anganwadi Infrastructure and ICDS
The agreement outlines several key areas of collaboration, including:
- Strengthening Anganwadi infrastructure
- Promoting awareness about nutrition
- Increasing the utilisation of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)
- Enhancing the capacity of grassroots workers
NITI Aayog said the initiative will also develop knowledge-sharing platforms to promote community participation and share successful models across Aspirational Districts and Blocks.
Earlier this week, NITI Aayog also signed an agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to promote sustainable development in Aspirational Districts and Blocks across India.
