In 2006, Delhi decided to experiment with the supplementary nutrition programme: it handed over the scheme to NGOs. Swami Sivananda Memorial Institute (SSMI) was given the charge of the Jahangirpuri resettlement colony in western Delhi. It had to cater to about 14,000 children and women. The NGO formed a self-help group of women from the community it served. Some of the employees had their children getting food under the scheme. The kitchen was located within the community to ensure accountability. Lady Irwin College decided the menu.

The implementation of the Supplementary Nutritional Programme (SNP) in Assam is "tardy and failure.' It is handicapped by long spells of non-feeding days, inequality in and manipulation of the allotment for nutrition, diversion of the allotment without compensatory replacement and incurring of excess expenditure,' according to a report of the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India (CAG). The report, tabled in the Assembly on Monday, showed that the Assam government did not provide funds for the SNP during the financial years between 2002-03 and 2004-05. The additional Central assistance of Rs. 135.86 crore for nutrition meant exclusively for children below three years was diverted for providing nutrition to all groups of beneficiaries.

Asom Social Welfare Minister Ajanta Neog has today admitted on the floor of the State Assembly that the problem of undernourishment of children in the State is alarming, and it is a national problem. She, however, said the State Government will not compromise at any level when it comes to the supply of nutritious food for children. "We have taken it as a challenge,' she said. Replying to a call attention notice from AGP MLA Dr Kamala Kalita, Neog said: "Factors responsible for undernutrition of children are many. Funds and public awareness are a must for ensuring proper nutrition of children in the State.' She said all the funds released by the State Government and the Centre for supply of nutritious food for children have already been sent to the deputy commissioners for supply of nutritious food for children. "The supply of nutritious food for children has been decentralized, and the State Government has formed as many as 37,000 management committees to monitor the supply of such food for children,' Neog added.

Lost for whether to boil, steam or fry? Savvy Soumya Mishra finds out THE current dieting fad is that food, when eaten raw, is healthy. But there is now a study that shows that there are foods that are more nutritious when cooked. Researchers in Italy studied preparation methods of three vegetables

the current dieting fad is that food when eaten raw is healthy. But there is now a study that shows that there are foods that are more nutritious when cooked. Researchers in Italy studied