SNPB

Supplementary Nutrition Programme- Bihar

6.3/10

The programme aims to enhance the nutritional level of normal/malnourished/severely malnourished children aged 6 months to 6 years, as well as pregnant women and lactating mothers, through Anganwadi centers. This programme is centrally sponsored with a funding ratio of 50:50.

State In Kind

States / UT: Bihar

Nodal department: Social Welfare Department

Scheme for: Family

Scheme profile

DBT (direct benefit transfer): No

Categories: Women and Child

Sub-categories: Pregnancy Care, Childcare

Target beneficiaries: Individual

Tags: Malnourished Children, Pregnant Women, Lactating Mother, Hot Cooked Meals, Child Care, Anganwadi

Details

The "Supplementary Nutrition Programme" is implemented by the Social Welfare Department, Government of Bihar, across all districts of the state under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme (Mission Mode). The programme aims to enhance the nutritional level of normal/malnourished/severely malnourished children aged 6 months to 6 years, as well as pregnant women and lactating mothers, through Anganwadi centers. The nutritional standards in the state are set in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, New Delhi. This programme is centrally sponsored with a funding ratio of 50:50 between the Central and State governments.

Benefits

  • Under this scheme, hot cooked meals and Take-Home Rations (THR) are provided to children aged 6 months to 3 years, as well as pregnant women and lactating mothers enrolled at Anganwadi centers
  • Hot Cooked Meals: Children attending Anganwadi centers for pre-school education, aged 3 to 6 years, receive Khichdi three days a week, Pulao one day, Rasiyav one day, and Semolina pudding one day. Hot cooked food is provided uniformly across Anganwadi centers in all districts for a total of 25 days each month. On Wednesdays and Fridays, children who consume eggs receive a boiled egg for breakfast, while non-egg eaters are given sprouted gram and jaggery. - Take-Home Rations (THR): Dry rations are distributed once a month, covering 25 days, to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and normal, malnourished, and severely malnourished children aged 6 months to 3 years. Pregnant and lactating mothers who consume eggs are provided with a boiled egg every Wednesday and Friday (seven times a month) at the Anganwadi center, while non-egg eaters receive soybean. Children aged 6 months to 3 years who consume eggs are also given a boiled egg on Wednesdays and Fridays, with soybean provided for non-egg eaters. - Morning Snacks: If the district-level price fixation committee increases the price of any item, the additional cost is covered by the morning snack budget. Any savings from other items are used to provide sprouted gram-jaggery, jaggery-chura, or similar items for breakfast. Note: Every Wednesday, 18 grams of milk powder (mixed in 150 ml of warm water) is provided to each child aged 3 to 6 years at 25 Anganwadi centers in 5 districts (Gaya, Saran, Siwan, Gopalganj, and Vaishali) under a pilot project, which has since been expanded across the state

Under this scheme, hot cooked meals and Take-Home Rations (THR) are provided to children aged 6 months to 3 years, as well as pregnant women and lactating mothers enrolled at Anganwadi centers.

  • Hot Cooked Meals: Children attending Anganwadi centers for pre-school education, aged 3 to 6 years, receive Khichdi three days a week, Pulao one day, Rasiyav one day, and Semolina pudding one day. Hot cooked food is provided uniformly across Anganwadi centers in all districts for a total of 25 days each month. On Wednesdays and Fridays, children who consume eggs receive a boiled egg for breakfast, while non-egg eaters are given sprouted gram and jaggery. - Take-Home Rations (THR): Dry rations are distributed once a month, covering 25 days, to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and normal, malnourished, and severely malnourished children aged 6 months to 3 years. Pregnant and lactating mothers who consume eggs are provided with a boiled egg every Wednesday and Friday (seven times a month) at the Anganwadi center, while non-egg eaters receive soybean. Children aged 6 months to 3 years who consume eggs are also given a boiled egg on Wednesdays and Fridays, with soybean provided for non-egg eaters. - Morning Snacks: If the district-level price fixation committee increases the price of any item, the additional cost is covered by the morning snack budget. Any savings from other items are used to provide sprouted gram-jaggery, jaggery-chura, or similar items for breakfast.
    Note: Every Wednesday, 18 grams of milk powder (mixed in 150 ml of warm water) is provided to each child aged 3 to 6 years at 25 Anganwadi centers in 5 districts (Gaya, Saran, Siwan, Gopalganj, and Vaishali) under a pilot project, which has since been expanded across the state.

Eligibility

  • The beneficiary should be a resident of Bihar.
  • All children aged 6 months to 6 years, as well as pregnant women and lactating mothers enrolled in Anganwadi centers across the state, are eligible to receive benefits under the programme.

How useful is this scheme?

Public benefit analysis

A practical look at this scheme for citizens

AI-generated insights showing how useful, accessible, and practical this scheme may be — combining deterministic scoring rules with a public-policy LLM analyst.

6.3
/ 10
Public Benefit Score
Accessibility 7.0/10 Good
Rural usefulness 7.0/10 Good
Application complexity 5.0/10 Moderate
Financial impact 5.0/10 Moderate
Literacy barrier 2.0/10 Good
Women inclusivity 9.0/10 Good
Awareness 4.5/10 Moderate
Implementation reliability 7.0/10 Good
Bigger shape means a better fit for citizens
  • Accessibility7.0
  • Financial impact5.0
  • Rural utility7.0
  • Awareness4.5
  • Simplicity5.0
  • Inclusivity9.0

What problem does this scheme solve?

The Supplementary Nutrition Programme in Bihar effectively addresses malnutrition among children and supports pregnant and lactating women through Anganwadi centers.

Key challenges addressed

  • Malnutrition in children
  • Nutritional support for pregnant women and lactating mothers

Most beneficial for

  • Malnourished children
  • Pregnant women
  • Lactating mothers

Likely challenges

  • Awareness of the scheme among beneficiaries
  • Accessibility in remote areas

Practical insights for citizens

The scheme is practical but faces challenges in reaching all intended beneficiaries effectively.

Rural challenges

  • Limited awareness in remote areas
  • Access to Anganwadi centers

Digital challenges

  • Low digital literacy
  • Limited access to online resources

Implementation bottlenecks

  • Inconsistent supply of food items
  • Geographical barriers

Awareness challenges

  • Lack of information dissemination
  • Cultural barriers to seeking help

Application analysis

Application mode
Offline office
Documents burden
Minimal, no specific documents required
Verification complexity
Low, based on residency and enrollment at Anganwadi centers
Office dependency
High, requires visiting Anganwadi centers
DBT dependency
No direct benefit transfer involved
CSC support
Limited, primarily offline
Estimated citizen effort
Moderate, requires registration at local centers

Estimated beneficiary reach

  • Rural / urban reach High
  • Gender reach Female and Male
  • Target income group Low-income families
  • Occupation reach Households with children and pregnant/lactating women

Benefit analysis

Benefit type
In Kind
Benefit frequency
Monthly for dry rations, daily for hot meals
Benefit practicality
High, as it provides essential nutrition directly
Financial meaningfulness
N/A
Long-term impact
Positive impact on child health and maternal nutrition

Plain-language guidance

The Supplementary Nutrition Programme provides nutritious meals and rations to children and mothers in Bihar. To benefit, you need to register at your local Anganwadi center.

Who should apply
Families with children aged 6 months to 6 years and pregnant or lactating women.
Who may struggle
Individuals unfamiliar with Anganwadi centers or those with limited mobility.
Best application route
Apply at your nearest Anganwadi center.

This intelligence section is generated by an AI policy analyst combined with rule-based scoring. Scores and narrative are estimates derived from the publicly available scheme information shown on this page; actual experience may vary by state, district, and department. Always confirm details on the official portal before you apply.

Application Process

Offline

  • To avail benefits under this scheme, beneficiaries should register their names at their nearest Anganwadi Center.,

Complaints & Grievance Redressal:

  • Complaints and appeals can be filed with the Public Grievance Redressal Officer at the sub-division level, the District Public Grievance Redressal Officer at the district level, and the Departmental Public Grievance Redressal Officer at the department level. Also, You can contact and register your problem to Child Development Project Officer at the project level, District Program Officer/District Officer at the district level, Divisional Commissioner at the divisional level and Director at the state level, ICDS and Additional Chief Secretary/Principal Secretary/Secretary, Social Welfare Department in writing/telephone.

Clarifications

Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).

Who is eligible for this Programme?

All children aged 6 months to 6 years, pregnant women, and lactating mothers registered at an Anganwadi center in Bihar are eligible for this programme. The beneficiary must be a resident of Bihar.

How are the meals provided under this programme?

Meals are provided in two forms: 1. Hot Cooked Meals for children aged 3 to 6 years at Anganwadi centers. 2. Take-Home Rations (THR) for children aged 6 months to 3 years, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.

What types of meals are served in the Anganwadi centers?
  1. Khichdi (three days a week) 2. Pulao (one day a week) 3. Rasiyav (one day a week) 4. Semolina pudding (one day a week) 5. Boiled egg (on Wednesdays and Fridays for children who eat eggs) 6. Sprouted gram and jaggery (for non-egg eaters).
What are the meal provisions for children aged 6 months to 3 years?

Children aged 6 months to 3 years receive monthly take-home rations (THR) and boiled eggs on Wednesdays and Fridays (or soybean for non-egg eaters).

What nutritional items are provided to pregnant women and lactating mothers?

Pregnant women and lactating mothers receive dry rations monthly, along with boiled eggs on Wednesdays and Fridays (or soybean for non-egg eaters) at Anganwadi centers.

How many times a month are eggs provided to the beneficiaries?

Eggs are provided seven times a month, on Wednesdays and Fridays.

What special nutrition is provided under the pilot project?

Under the pilot project, children aged 3 to 6 years receive 18 grams of milk powder (mixed in 150 ml of warm water) every Wednesday at 25 Anganwadi centers in 5 districts, which is now expanded across Bihar.

How can one register for this Programme?

To avail of benefits, eligible beneficiaries need to register at their nearest Anganwadi center.

What is the funding structure of the Supplementary Nutrition Programme?

The scheme is funded on a 50:50 ratio between the Central Government and the Government of Bihar.

Is the programme available across all districts in Bihar?

Yes, the programme is implemented across all districts of Bihar through Anganwadi centers.

How are complaints or grievances addressed?

Complaints can be filed with the Public Grievance Redressal Officer at various levels such as sub-division, district, or department. Alternatively, complaints can be addressed to the Child Development Project Officer, District Program Officer, or the Director at the state level.

How often are dry rations distributed?

Dry rations are distributed once a month for 25 days to the eligible beneficiaries.

Can someone not registered with an Anganwadi center avail of the programme benefits?

No, only those who are registered with an Anganwadi center can avail of the benefits.

References

Scheme Details
https://state.bihar.gov.in/cache/39/Chhatra%20Yojna/Samekit%20Baal%20Vikas%20Chhtra%20Yojna/Mukhyamantri%20Samekit%20Bal%20Vikash%20Chhatra%20Yojana.pdf
Guidelines
https://state.bihar.gov.in/cache/39/Chhatra%20Yojna/Samekit%20Baal%20Vikas%20Chhtra%20Yojna/SNP.pdf
Official Website
https://state.bihar.gov.in/socialwelfare/CitizenHome.html

Apply

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Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of Supplementary Nutrition Programme- Bihar?
Supplementary Nutrition Programme- Bihar is a government welfare initiative designed to support Family, Individual through benefits related to Women and Child, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
Who can apply for Supplementary Nutrition Programme- Bihar?
Eligibility for Supplementary Nutrition Programme- Bihar may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
What benefits are offered under Supplementary Nutrition Programme- Bihar?
Benefits under Supplementary Nutrition Programme- Bihar may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
Which department manages Supplementary Nutrition Programme- Bihar?
Supplementary Nutrition Programme- Bihar is managed by Social Welfare Department and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
Can users apply online for Supplementary Nutrition Programme- Bihar?
Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for Supplementary Nutrition Programme- Bihar through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for Supplementary Nutrition Programme- Bihar?
Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
Where can users apply for Supplementary Nutrition Programme- Bihar?
Applications for Supplementary Nutrition Programme- Bihar may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
What documents may be required for Supplementary Nutrition Programme- Bihar?
Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
Is Supplementary Nutrition Programme- Bihar available in all states?
No, Supplementary Nutrition Programme- Bihar is primarily available for eligible residents of Bihar and may be implemented through state government departments and local administrative offices.
Can residents outside Bihar apply for Supplementary Nutrition Programme- Bihar?
Eligibility for Supplementary Nutrition Programme- Bihar is generally limited to residents of Bihar unless otherwise specified in the official scheme guidelines.
Is Supplementary Nutrition Programme- Bihar only for women beneficiaries?
Supplementary Nutrition Programme- Bihar is primarily intended to support eligible women beneficiaries through welfare assistance, financial support, skill development, healthcare, or social security initiatives.
Does Supplementary Nutrition Programme- Bihar support self-employment or financial assistance for women?
Depending on scheme guidelines, Supplementary Nutrition Programme- Bihar may provide loans, subsidies, training support, self-employment assistance, or financial welfare benefits for women.
Can CSC centres help users apply for Supplementary Nutrition Programme- Bihar?
Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
How can users check the latest updates for Supplementary Nutrition Programme- Bihar?
Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
Can beneficiaries track application status for Supplementary Nutrition Programme- Bihar?
Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
Where can users get help for Supplementary Nutrition Programme- Bihar in Bihar?
Users in Bihar may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
Which nearby public services may help with Supplementary Nutrition Programme- Bihar applications?
Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.