<h4>Introduction to India's Social Welfare Initiatives</h4><p>India has launched numerous initiatives to address critical social issues, particularly focusing on <strong>food security</strong>, <strong>nutrition</strong>, and <strong>agricultural welfare</strong>. These programs aim to uplift vulnerable populations and ensure equitable access to essential resources.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p>Understanding these initiatives is crucial for UPSC aspirants, as they form the backbone of India's social welfare framework and are frequently tested in <strong>GS Paper 2</strong> and <strong>GS Paper 3</strong>.</p></div><h4>Food Security and Nutrition Initiatives</h4><p>The Indian government has implemented a robust set of programs to combat hunger and malnutrition, especially among women and children. These initiatives reflect a commitment to a rights-based approach to food and health.</p><ul><li><strong>National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013</strong>: This landmark act legally entitles up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population to receive subsidized food grains. It is a cornerstone of India's food security policy.</li><li><strong>Mission Poshan 2.0</strong>: This scheme consolidates and strengthens the supplementary nutrition programs, focusing on holistic development and well-being. It integrates the <strong>Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)</strong>, <strong>Poshan Abhiyaan</strong>, and <strong>Scheme for Adolescent Girls</strong>.</li><li><strong>Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme</strong>: Launched in <strong>1975</strong>, ICDS provides a package of services including supplementary nutrition, pre-school non-formal education, nutrition and health education, immunization, health check-up, and referral services.</li><li><strong>Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)</strong>: A maternity benefit program providing financial support to pregnant women and lactating mothers for wage loss compensation and improved health-seeking behavior.</li><li><strong>Mid-Day Meal Scheme (PM-POSHAN)</strong>: A school meal program designed to better the nutritional standing of school-age children nationwide, while also encouraging attendance and enrollment.</li><li><strong>Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG)</strong>: Aims to empower adolescent girls (11-14 years) by improving their nutrition and health status, enhancing life skills, and mainstreaming out-of-school girls back into formal schooling.</li><li><strong>Mother’s Absolute Affection (MAA)</strong>: A nationwide program to promote breastfeeding, emphasizing its critical role in infant health and development.</li><li><strong>Poshan Vatikas</strong>: Also known as Nutri-gardens, these promote the cultivation of fruits and vegetables in households or community lands to address micronutrient deficiencies.</li></ul><h4>Agricultural Support Policies</h4><p>Beyond direct food distribution, the government also supports the agricultural sector to ensure food production and farmer welfare, indirectly contributing to food security.</p><ul><li><strong>Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for Agricultural products</strong>: A policy where the government announces prices for certain crops to protect farmers from excessive fall in prices during bumper production years.</li><li><strong>Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)</strong>: A crop insurance scheme that provides financial support to farmers suffering crop loss/damage arising out of unforeseen events.</li><li><strong>National Horticulture Mission (NHM)</strong>: A scheme for the holistic development of the horticulture sector, promoting growth in fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, and other crops.</li></ul>