Latest news with #MinistryofWomenandChildDevelopment
News18
14-07-2025
- Health
- News18
How Many Calories Do 100 Grams Of Samosa And Jalebi Have?
Last Updated: Obesity and lifestyle diseases are creeping in at younger ages, fuelled by exactly the kind of diet that puts samosa and jalebi at the centre If jalebis and samosas are your go-to evening snack, health experts now want you to pause and think again. What used to be comfort food has been thrust into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, and the comparisons being drawn are as sharp as they are surprising. Samosa and jalebi are today's cigarettes, warn nutritionists and public health officials alike. The phrase may sound dramatic, but here's what's backing it up. According to dietitian Mukta Vashisht, both jalebi and samosa are 'calorie bombs". A single 100-gram serving of jalebi packs around 356 calories, made up almost entirely of refined flour, sugar, and oil. The sweetness might feel comforting, she says, but it wreaks havoc on blood sugar levels and can lead to rapid weight gain. Samosas, despite their savory appeal, aren't any better. In fact, they may be slightly worse. That same 100-gram portion contains about 362 calories, filled with deep-fried oil, spiced potatoes, and maida. Not only does this spike carbohydrate and fat intake, but repeated frying, often with reheated oil, introduces trans fats that increase the risk of heart disease. Here's the bigger issue: both of these snacks, consumed regularly, are strongly linked to a higher risk of diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease. And now, their impact is being taken seriously at the policy level, especially when it comes to children. Government Cracks Down On Childhood Obesity News18 has accessed an advisory from the Ministry of Women and Child Development, which raises serious concerns about the early signs of lifestyle diseases in children. As per fresh data from the government's Poshan Tracker (May 2025), 6% of children under five enrolled in Anganwadi centres are already overweight or obese. That's a red flag. In response, the ministry has asked all states and Union Territories to take urgent steps to reshape food and lifestyle habits in young children. The advisory emphasises cutting down on visible fat (not more than 27–30 grams of oil per day), limiting saturated fat to under 10% of total energy intake, and most importantly, completely avoiding trans fats, which are found in vanaspati, margarine, bakery goods, and street snacks like samosas. The advisory goes further, warning against reheated oil, which many vendors use repeatedly. This practice creates harmful oxidative compounds that raise the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Instead, the ministry recommends filtering used oil for limited reuse in curries only, not for frying again. Street Food Culture Under Scrutiny What this really means is that everyday snacks like samosas and jalebis are no longer just an indulgence. They're being flagged as part of a larger public health threat. Viral posts and videos on social media have already started calling them the 'new age cigarettes", highlighting how these foods silently damage the body when eaten regularly. And that message is starting to stick. The government has now called for 'Oil and Sugar" awareness boards at Anganwadi centres and public institutions, pushing visual reminders of how much is too much. Health messages around hidden fats and sugars are also being integrated into official stationery and public communication material. Even frontline workers are being nudged to model better behaviour, choosing fruit-based snacks and moving around more during the workday. This push is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a 'fitter and healthier India", and the strategy is to shift focus from fried and sugary foods toward boiled chana, fruits, and low-oil homemade snacks. India's love for its street food is deep-rooted. But the data is now impossible to ignore. Obesity and lifestyle diseases are creeping in at younger ages, fuelled by exactly the kind of diet that puts samosa and jalebi at the centre. So no, no one's saying you can't enjoy them ever again. But what experts and policymakers are urging is restraint. Eat them occasionally, not daily. Don't reuse oil. Avoid hidden sugars and fats in everyday meals. And above all, rethink what we normalise as 'harmless" treats. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
14-07-2025
- Health
- News18
Govt Flags Harmful Oils, Sugars In Kids' Diets, Urges States To Act On Rising Childhood Obesity
The latest advisory follows fresh data from the government's Poshan Tracker which reveals that 6% of the children enrolled in these centres fall in the overweight or obese category The Ministry of Women and Child Development, concerned over the rising prevalence of childhood obesity, has urged all states and Union Territories to take immediate steps to promote healthy dietary practices and physical activity, especially in Anganwadi Centres catering to children under the age of five, News18 has learnt. The latest advisory, seen by News18, follows fresh data from the government's Poshan Tracker (May 2025), which reveals that 6 per cent of the children enrolled in these centres fall in the overweight or obese category. It flags this as an urgent health risk, warning that early-life obesity could lead to long-term complications such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and even certain cancers. The ministry states that these trends are 'largely driven by unhealthy diets, reduced physical activity and bad lifestyle". The advisory stresses the need for course correction by improving the nutritional quality of Take Home Rations (THR) and Hot Cooked Meals (HCM), and by creating an environment that enables healthier choices for young children and their caregivers. What kind of food should be served? According to the advisory dated July 11, the intake of visible fat or cooking oil should not exceed 27–30 grams per day. It also warns that saturated fat intake must be limited to less than 10 per cent of total energy intake, given its role in increasing the risk of heart diseases and stroke. Foods rich in saturated fats—such as butter, ghee, lard, palm oil and coconut oil—should be used with caution. More strongly, the ministry urges complete avoidance of trans fats, commonly found in vanaspati, margarine, fried snacks, and bakery products. 'Trans-fats are harmful and should be avoided," the document states, adding that their consumption is linked to a heightened risk of heart disease, diabetes, breast cancer, and vision and nervous system disorders in infants. The advisory also discourages the use of reheated oil, citing that repeated heating generates harmful oxidative compounds that may elevate the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Instead, it suggests filtering used oil for limited reuse in curries, while strictly avoiding it for frying again. How to make people aware? To reinforce these recommendations and build public awareness, the ministry has suggested several activities to be undertaken at the state, district, and Anganwadi level. It has called for the installation and display of 'Oil and Sugar" awareness boards at Anganwadi Centres and public institutions to create visual nudges about consumption limits. Departments have also been advised to integrate health messages about hidden sugars and fats in common foods on official stationery, ensuring that communication at every level carries a reminder for healthier choices. Officials and frontline workers are to be encouraged to adopt healthy workplace habits, such as consuming fruit-based snacks or engaging in regular movement during the workday, to lead by example within their communities. These measures, the ministry notes, are in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for a 'fitter and healthier India" and are expected to significantly improve nutritional outcomes while helping to combat obesity and associated non-communicable diseases. The advisory recommends a focus on discouraging the consumption of high-fat and sugary food items in daily diets, especially among children. Instead, Anganwadi staff and caregivers are to be encouraged to offer nutritious alternatives—such as boiled chana, fruits, or home-cooked low-oil snacks—that can easily replace fried and sugar-laden options. The ministry, in the document, also calls for the reinforcement of daily lifestyle reminders at the community level, using the Poshan Tracker app and other platforms to promote regular physical activity and awareness of diet. view comments First Published: July 14, 2025, 15:52 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
New Indian Express
11-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Right To Food campaigners demand to withdraw facial recognition technology for access to food, nutrition
NEW DELHI: Civil society groups under the Right to Food Campaign (RTF) are demanding the immediate removal of mandatory facial recognition for accessing nutrition services. They are calling for the restoration of universal, dignified, and non-discriminatory access to the Supplementary Nutrition Scheme. On June 30, the Ministry of Women and Child Development made it mandatory to use facial recognition technology to identify beneficiaries. The group termed the mandatory face recognition as a mass exclusion by design, illegal and unconstitutional. Further, the process will be overburdened for the Anganwadi Workers. They also questioned the government's claim the facial recognition will stop the leakages in the scheme. The group pointed out that marginalised families would bear the brunt of use of facial-recognition technology. 'The facial recognition mandate changes the right to access services into a privilege that depends on having a smartphone, internet connection, working apps, and a correct Aadhaar-linked number,' said Sameet Panda, National Conveners at RTF. 'Most marginalized families do not have guaranteed access to these things when using the service,' adds Panda. The civil society groups demand of removal of technology in the context of prevalence of high-level of malnutrition in the country. According to its assessment, there is 35% of children in India suffer from stunting. 'Under such scenario, it is unconscionable that access to food is being made conditional upon flawed technology,' said Panda. Earlier, when the Ministry of Women and Child Development introduced POSHAN Tracker application with two-step verification process – requiring both facial recognition of rights holders (children aged 6 months to 3 years, pregnant and lactating women) and OTP verification via Aadhaar-linked mobile numbers, the RTF capaigners then registered their protest terming its exclusionary process. 'Instead of paying heed to the demand of the activists, Ministry further went ahead of its 'exclusionary policy',' claimed Panda. As per the Ministry's letter dated 5 March 2025, states were threatened with denial of revised nutrition cost norms if they failed to enforce this by 25 March. A subsequent letter dated 30 May 2025 further mandates biometric attendance for children aged 3–6 years receiving hot cooked meals at Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) for 'liveness' detection. Finally, on 30 June 2025, Anganwadi workers across the country were abruptly instructed to reinstall the POSHAN Tracker app. The new app has only a facial recognition service to identify the beneficiary, claimed the RTF release. The RTF campaign calls for the immediate revocation of this exclusionary and unlawful mandate and affirms its resolve to challenge it through all democratic means.
The Hindu
01-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Using tech to empower women and children
Empowerment begins with access — access to rights, to services, to protection, and to opportunity. Over the past decade, this access has been redefined and democratised through the focused commitment of the Modi government to build a more inclusive and digitally empowered India. The Ministry of Women and Child Development has been at the forefront of this transformation. Guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, the Ministry has integrated technology into its programmes, ensuring that benefits reach the last mile swiftly, transparently, and efficiently. What was once aspirational is now operational thanks to the government's emphasis on digital public infrastructure, real-time data systems, and responsive governance. With steadfast focus on care, protection, and empowerment, the Ministry has strengthened access to nutrition, education, legal safeguards, and essential entitlements, ensuring that women and children lead healthier, more secure lives, and also emerge as confident leaders and change makers of Amrit Kaal. Transformative initiatives A cornerstone of this transformation is the Saksham Anganwadi initiative, designed to modernise and empower over 2 lakh Anganwadi centres across India. These centres are being upgraded with smart infrastructure, digital devices, and innovative learning tools, enabling more effective delivery of nutrition, healthcare, and pre-school education services. The integration of services provided by 14 lakh Anganwadi centres across the nation with the Poshan Tracker has enabled real-time data entry, performance monitoring, and evidence-based policy interventions. Over 10.14 crore beneficiaries, including pregnant women, lactating mothers, children under six, and adolescent girls, are now registered on Poshan Tracker. By equipping Anganwadi workers with smartphones and comprehensive training, the initiative ensures quality service delivery at the last mile. At its core, Poshan Tracker is driving the national vision of a Swasth Bharat, Suposhit Bharat. It reimagines Anganwadi centres as digitally empowered community hubs that bridge the urban-rural divide. Recognised with the Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Public Administration (2025), it also supports Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi, providing digital training modules to Anganwadi workers for early childhood education. Further, to reduce leakages in the Supplementary Nutrition Programme, a facial recognition system has been introduced to ensure that eligible beneficiaries alone receive nutrition support. Beyond nutrition, the Ministry is ensuring safety and support for women through technology-led platforms. The SHe-Box portal provides single-window access to every woman to lodge complaints under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. It enables online redressal and tracking. Meanwhile, the Mission Shakti dashboard and mobile app provide integrated assistance to women in distress, connecting them to the nearest one-stop centre, now operational in nearly every district. These interventions exemplify how technology is being used not just for efficiency, but for justice, dignity, and empowerment. The Modi government has also operationalised the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) — a game changer in maternal welfare. Under the PMMVY Rules, 2022, pregnant women receive ₹5,000 for their first child. Under Mission Shakti, the benefit extends to ₹6,000 if the second child is a girl — promoting positive reinforcement for daughters. Delivered through a paperless Direct Benefit Transfer system, about ₹19,000 crore has reached over 4 crore women beneficiaries since its inception. PMMVY is a fully digital programme — leveraging Aadhaar-based authentication, mobile-based registration, doorstep assistance from Anganwadi/ASHA workers, and real-time dashboards. A dedicated grievance redressal module and citizen-facing portal ensure transparency, trust, and accountability, strengthening the government's commitment to Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao. Tangible outcomes These targeted efforts are delivering tangible outcomes. The latest reports from the Health Management Information System of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) reveal that the Sex Ratio at Birth has increased from 918 (2014-15) to 930 (2023-24). The Maternal Mortality Rate has declined to 97 per 1,000 births (2018-20) from 130 per 1,000 births (2014-16). Digital transformation has played a key role in child protection and welfare. Under the Juvenile Justice Act (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, the Ministry has strengthened the adoption ecosystem through the CARINGS portal (Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System). This ensures a more transparent, accessible, and efficient adoption process. Digitisation has also improved monitoring of child care institutions, foster care placements, and statutory support structures under the Act. Platforms developed by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights are tracking violations of child rights. The Mission Vatsalya dashboard strengthens convergence and coordination among various child welfare stakeholders. This is New India where governance meets technology, and policy meets purpose. Over the last decade, the Ministry has not only adapted to digital change, but championed it. Annapurna Devi is the Union Minister of Women and Child Development
Time of India
29-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
From July 1, facial recognition for take-home meals at anganwadis
1 2 Jaipur: Effective from July 1, beneficiaries will receive take-home nutrition at anganwadi centres exclusively through a facial recognition system (FRS). Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) department has instructed officials to expedite the enrolment process for facial recognition and e-KYC on the Poshan Tracker platform. Additionally, it will be mandatory to record the attendance of children aged three to six years registered at anganwadi centres and the hot supplementary nutrition distributed to them on the Poshan Tracker. "As per the instructions received from the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Govt of India, from July 1, 2025, the distribution of take-home ration to the beneficiaries registered on Poshan Tracker will be done compulsorily through FRS," states an order issued by the department. Officials said beneficiaries can update their KYC details on the Poshan Tracker. "Encourage the beneficiaries to get their photo/mobile number updated in their Aadhaar so that the work of e-KYC can be done easily and organise special camps by establishing coordination with Aadhaar Seva Kendras at the district level to get the Aadhaar of the beneficiaries updated," mentions the order. From Aug 1, registration of beneficiaries on Poshan Tracker will also be possible through FRS. Till now, details of over 18 lakh beneficiaries have been linked out of over 23 lakh beneficiaries. Officials said the delay in updating records of all beneficiaries is due to Aadhaar details not matching with their contact details. Due to this, beneficiaries have been given the option of updating their details on their own.
