‘Bharat Ratna Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Amrut Aahar Yojana’ Brings New Hope to Tribal Women in Melghat

Amravati, April 2026 : Though Melghat in Amravati district is known for its natural beauty, its remote geography and social challenges have long made malnutrition and maternal-child health serious concerns. Against this backdrop, the ‘Bharat Ratna A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Amrut Aahar Yojana’ is being implemented by the Women and Child Development Department of the Zilla Parishad to provide a protective shield of nutrition to tribal mothers and children. The scheme is laying the foundation for a healthier generation and moving towards the goal of a malnutrition-free Melghat.

Launched across the state on December 1, 2015, the scheme provides one nutritious meal a day to pregnant women and lactating mothers. In Melghat, it is being implemented in two phases. In the first phase, all pregnant women in tribal areas receive balanced meals during the last six months of pregnancy and up to six months after childbirth. The focus is not just on filling hunger but on ensuring adequate intake of proteins and essential nutrients. Meals provided through Anganwadi centres include dal, rice, vegetables, roti, along with eggs and nutritious laddoos.

In March 2026 alone, a total of 5,816 mothers in Dharni and Chikhaldara talukas benefited from this nutrition programme, with expenditure exceeding ₹60 lakh. This initiative has significantly helped in reducing anemia among women.

The second phase of the scheme focuses on children aged six months to six years, who are provided supplementary nutrition such as bananas and eggs four days a week. Malnutrition during early childhood is a major barrier to physical and cognitive development. To address this, protein-rich food is regularly included in their diet. In March, 28,985 children in Melghat received these benefits, with a budget allocation of around ₹36.32 lakh. The network of 462 Anganwadi centres, supported by local nutrition committees, ensures that the scheme reaches beneficiaries effectively.

The impact of the scheme is clearly visible. With improved nutrition for mothers, newborns are healthier and have better birth weights, leading to a reduction in infant mortality. Increased interaction with Anganwadi centres has also helped women gain awareness about vaccination, personal hygiene, and family planning.

Additionally, the participation of local women in nutrition committees has enhanced their decision-making abilities and leadership skills. The scheme has emerged as a transformative initiative, bringing renewed energy and hope to the lives of tribal communities in Melghat.

Through the coordinated efforts of the district administration and the Women and Child Development Department, this initiative is ensuring that mothers and children in remote areas are becoming healthier and more empowered. Melghat’s journey from the darkness of malnutrition to the light of good health is steadily progressing and is poised to become a model for public health in the future.