The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoW&CD) has initiated a significant pilot program introducing Face Authentication and OTP modules in the POSHAN Tracker across six states and Union Territories, including Chandigarh. This initiative is designed to enhance transparency and curb fraudulent practices in the distribution of Take-Home Rations (THR) under the Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP).
On 23rd August 2024, Sh. Rajeev Verma, IAS, Adviser to the Administrator, UT Chandigarh, conducted a review of the progress of the Face Authorization module at the Model Anganwadi Centre, Dadumajra. This pioneering system captures beneficiaries' photos during registration and again during THR distribution for verification.
Beneficiaries are then required to provide a unique OTP, sent to their registered mobile numbers, to Anganwadi Workers during the delivery process. He was accompanied by his wife Mrs Rachna Verma. The Poshan Tracker, a critical component of POSHAN Abhiyaan under Mission Saksham Anganwadi & POSHAN 2.0, is pivotal in the fight against malnutrition.
The tracker has been successfully implemented in all 450 Anganwadi centers across Chandigarh, with real-time data uploads for essential services, including Growth Monitoring and Supplementary Nutrition. The integration of face recognition technology for THR distribution underscores the Government's commitment to ensuring that vital nutrition support reaches the most vulnerable populations.
Ms. Anuradha S. Chagti, Secretary Social Welfare, Women & Child Development, and Dr. Palika Arora, Director Social Welfare & Women & Child Development were also present during the event alongwith other officials of the department.