In the tribal district of Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki, a structured and outcome-oriented intervention is transforming the fight against child malnutrition. Led by IAS Tulika Prajapati ,a 2016 batch officer of Chhattisgarh cadre and current district Collector has introduced the Augmented Take-Home Ration (ATHR) initiative an innovative step towards tackling Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) through “Identify-Treat-Sustain” approach.

The strategy begins with systematic identification of malnourished children through field-level screenings and digital platforms. Once identified, children are provided with ATHR, a nutrient-dense, palatable and easy-to-consume supplementary food meticulously designed. Unlike conventional Take-Home Ration (THR), which has some limitations for SAM and MAM ( Moderate Acute Malnutrition) children like being less nutrient-dense, sometimes not very appealing in taste and requires children to eat larger quantities creating difficulty for those with low appetite and affecting how much nutrition children actually receive.

Further this effort is sustained through continuous monitoring, counselling and community engagement. This ensures that nutrition is not only delivered but effectively absorbed, leading to measurable health improvements.

This targeted intervention responds directly to the district’s unique challenges- high tribal population, limited dietary diversity and a significant prevalence of maternal anemia. Additionally difficult geographical access, along with behavioural factors such as low awareness, delayed health-seeking practices and gaps in child care further complicate nutrition outcomes. These factors necessitated a localized, adaptive and intensive intervention rather than a uniform model.

Under Prajapati’s leadership the results have been significant. The recovery rate in children has risen to 84% while weight gain trends show strong early improvement and sustained progress. Importantly, consumption compliance has improved to over 90%, indicating better acceptance and effectiveness. These outcomes indicate a shift from mere food distribution to measurable nutritional impact.

The initiative is strengthened through technical collaboration with UNICEF Chhattisgarh and AIIMS Raipur, with financial and operational support from ABIS Group. Additionally convergence between the Women & Child Development Department, Health Department and community institutions has strengthened implementation and monitoring mechanisms on the ground.

Looking ahead, the district has a clear and scalable plan, including integration of ATHR into government systems, expansion to MAM children and other vulnerable groups, promotion of local production through Self-Help Groups and strengthening of supply chains and digital monitoring systems. This initiative represents a shift from food distribution to nutrition outcome-based governance with strong potential for replication at state and national levels.

The ATHR initiative is not merely a supplementary program but a strategic intervention addressing critical gaps in malnutrition management, ensuring improved recovery,better growth outcomes and long-term sustainability.

The extended tenure of Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan  ends on May 30. Will there be a new CDS from the Navy or IAF, or will the Army continue with that position?

The total authorised strength of IAS officers in all the cadres of the country was 6,858, while the total in-position strength was 5,542. This shows a shortage of 1,316 officers. This also implies that every fifth post of the IAS officer is vacant. Taking note of this serious shortfall, a Parliamentary panel has expressed concern and said that it significantly impacts administrative efficiency and governance across various levels.

Media and bureaucratic circles point to a “major diplomatic reshuffle” favoring experienced mid-1990s batches for key missions. No concrete “whispers” on specific next postings emerged on social media or in reports during April 1–3, but the narrative stresses rewarding multilateral expertise amid global challenges. Changing trends include a shift toward younger-yet-seasoned leadership in IFS to handle evolving priorities like Indo-Pacific strategy, technology partnerships, and economic diplomacy.

Amid rising economic uncertainty triggered by the West Asia conflict, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has urged the government to roll out an emergency 20-point support agenda to safeguard industrial operations, exports, and liquidity. The chamber has called for immediate cost relief, credit enhancement, and institutional reforms to buffer India’s economic ecosystem from the unfolding crisis.

CII’s key proposal includes launching a Conflict-Linked Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) to ensure collateral-free loans for MSMEs, exporters, and gas-dependent sectors facing financial stress. It also seeks a 3-month moratorium and restructuring window for affected units, a 20% enhancement in working capital limits, and a waiver or reduction of banking fees like processing and forex charges.

To ease operational pressure, CII recommends extending PSU contract timelines, reducing performance guarantees, providing temporary electricity tariff relief, and expediting GST refunds, duty drawbacks, and RoDTEP dues. Other measures include an LNG duty waiver, LTCG tax relief for foreign investors, and creation of a Conflict-Linked Export Risk Support Facility. Stressing diversification of trade routes and supply chains, CII said urgent action is essential to prevent economic disruption amid the continuing West Asia crisis.

West Bengal : President rule or  Something else time will unveil

The term of the current West Bengal Assembly finishes on 14th May. If Elections are postponed beyond that date Presidents Rule will automatically be imposed .Then the stigma of having dismissed an elected Government doesn't stick.But Home Minister thinks otherwise .He vows to stay put in Bengal for the next 15 days. So it doesn't look like GoI is thinking of either postponing the Elections and implementing Presidents Rule. Of course should Mamata provoke another Malda and try to terrorize the Officers of the court Supreme Court may step in. Mamata on her part WANTS Presidents Rule so she can play the victim card. If Bengal is to be? salvaged it needs a loooong period of Central Rule.

Jayonto Chatterjee  

No economic threat

The government itself claims that there is no economic threat and no need to fear, in parliament. Rallies are being conducted for elections on a massive scale. No cut on those expenses. It means that government is on sound side of economy. Any intention to curb the DA DR on Central Government employees, will certainly reflect in their upcoming state elections. Also, request the media to regularly raise this point, so that this news is not submerged upon ongoing war news.

Kunal Bisra

 Step motherly treatment

Why govt is unfair to pensioners. It can distribute freebees to win elections but not willing to pay our dues, be it in the name of COVID, in west asia disturbances. Why step motherly treatment to your own employees who served you for long years of their life.

Sunita Saxena

Repeated RTI applications on identical issue

The respondent submitted that the appellant has filed multiple queries seeking confirmation/ implementation of provisions under Central Acts. The RTI applications were timely disposed of and although the queries did not conform to the definition of “information” under Section 2 (f) of the RTI Act, necessary clarification was provided with reference to extant guidelines and OMs in response to few of the RTI applications. The CIC observed that appropriate response has been given by the CPIO in all the second appeals, as per provisions of the RTI Act. The CIC noted that the RTI requests of the appellant do not strictly conform to Section 2(f) of the RTI Act as the appellant had sought for answers/clarifications to speculative and hypothetical queries. Further, the CIC pointed to the appellant that as per the mandate of the RTI Act, outstretching the interpretation of Section 2(f) of the RTI Act to include deductions and inferences to be drawn by the CPIO is unwarranted as it casts immense pressure on the CPIOs to ensure that they provide the correct deduction/inference to avoid being subject to penal provisions under the RTI Act. The Commission observed that 86 second appeals were disposed earlier arising out of RTI applications filed by the appellant before several public authorities wherein similar speculative and hypothetical queries were raised, calling for no relief under the Act. In addition, 18 appeals were disposed of in CIC/CICOM/A/2024/658048 & Ors, vide decision dated 25.07.2025. It is appalling that despite having scheduled multiple appeals for hearing with advance notice, the appellant failed to appear before the Commission, which has caused unwarranted loss of time and public resources. The CIC advised the Appellant to make judicious use of his right to information in the future and to desist from filing repetitive RTI Applications as Appeal(s) emanating from the same are liable to be summarily dismissed henceforth. The CIC held that the Respondent(s) are also at liberty to rely on the instant decision in the event that the Appellant files same or similar RTI Applications in the future.

Comments

Repeated filing of RTI applications on identical issues causes a drain on the resources of the public authority. The observation by the CIC held that the Respondent(s) are at liberty to rely on the instant decision in the event that the Appellant files same or similar RTI Applications in the future could provide relief to the DARPG.

Citation: Rajnish Ratnakar v. Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, econd Appeal No. CIC/DARPG/A/2024/ 658235 + 651529 + 651501 + 651490 + 651477 + 650798 + 650846 + 650819; Date of Decision: 09.09.2025

Dr Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is a RTI Consultant currently working with IIM Vishakhapatnam. She has co-authored the books PIO’s Guide to RTI and Right to Information – Law and Practice. Her weekly article is being published since 2008 on this site. She offers consultancy on RTI matters and third party audit to individuals / organisations. Her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation at the link https://www.rtifoundationofindia.com

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