APRIL 21: In a significant recognition of technological innovation in public service delivery, the Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Shri Anil Malik, was conferred with the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration in the Innovation category. The prestigious award was presented by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in acknowledgement of the Ministry’s pioneering efforts through the development and implementation of the Poshan Tracker—a transformative mobile application that has revolutionised real-time nutrition and childcare service delivery across India.
The Poshan Tracker has emerged as a groundbreaking digital tool, designed to modernize the functioning of Anganwadi Centres under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme. The application enables Anganwadi workers to digitally record and monitor key data related to the delivery of nutritional support and early childhood care services to beneficiaries, including children under six years of age, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
Through real-time data entry and access, the app ensures greater transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the delivery of vital services. It empowers frontline workers with a user-friendly platform to track service provision and beneficiary details while enabling government officials to monitor outcomes and make data-driven decisions at various administrative levels.
The innovation has been instrumental in bridging service delivery gaps, streamlining monitoring mechanisms, and ensuring that the benefits of government schemes reach the intended populations more effectively. The app not only enhances oversight but also strengthens India’s efforts in tackling malnutrition and improving maternal and child health indicators.
While receiving the award, Shri Anil Malik highlighted that the success of the Poshan Tracker is a reflection of the Ministry’s commitment to embracing digital tools for public welfare. He noted that this innovation has brought about a paradigm shift in how nutrition and child development services are administered at the grassroots level.
The Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration recognises exemplary work by individuals and institutions that bring about improvements in governance. The recognition of the Poshan Tracker reaffirms the importance of adopting innovative, technology-driven approaches to tackle longstanding challenges in social welfare and service delivery.
This accolade not only honours a technological milestone but also strengthens the resolve of the Ministry of Women and Child Development to continue its efforts toward a healthier and better-nourished India.