AI SummarySupplementary Nutrition Programme provides nutritious food to children aged 6 months to 6 years, along with pregnant and lactating women, through Anganwadi centers across Bihar. The programme continues to operate in all districts of the state in 2026, helping improve the health of malnourished and healthy children.
Implemented by the Social Welfare Department, Government of Bihar, under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) mission, this scheme delivers hot cooked meals and Take-Home Rations to eligible families. It is a centrally sponsored scheme with a 50:50 funding split between the Central and State governments, following the nutritional standards set by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Supplementary Nutrition Programme - Introduction
Supplementary Nutrition Programme works to improve health outcomes for malnourished and healthy children aged 6 months to 6 years, along with pregnant and lactating mothers. By using the wide reach of Anganwadi centers, this scheme makes sure essential nutritional support reaches those who need it most. Registration happens at the local Anganwadi center, and the benefits are delivered directly through these centers.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Supplementary Nutrition Programme |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Family |
| Beneficiary States | Bihar |
| Category | Women and Child |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual |
| Sub Category | Pregnancy Care, Childcare |
| Benefit Type | In Kind |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Department | Social Welfare Department |
| Implementing Agency | Social Welfare Department, Government of Bihar |
Benefits
Through this scheme, eligible people receive either hot cooked meals or Take-Home Rations (THR) at their local Anganwadi center to make sure balanced nutrition.
Hot Cooked Meals for children (3 to 6 years): Children attending pre-school get nutritious meals for 25 days every month. The menu includes Khichdi, Pulao, Rasiyav, and Semolina pudding. Those who eat eggs get a boiled egg on Wednesdays and Fridays, while others receive healthy sprouted gram and jaggery.
| Category | Food Provision |
| Hot Meals | Children aged 3-6 years (25 days a month) |
| Take-Home Rations | Children 6mo-3yrs, Pregnant and Lactating Mothers |
| Egg Supplement | Wednesdays and Fridays (7 times/month) |
Take-Home Rations (THR): Dry rations are provided once a month to cover 25 days of nutritional needs. This supports pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children under 3 years old.
Note: In several districts, children aged 3 to 6 years also receive 18 grams of milk powder mixed in 150 ml of warm water every Wednesday to boost their calcium intake.
Eligibility
Eligible people can enroll for the scheme if they meet the conditions given below.
- Applicants should be permanent residents of Bihar.
- Children aged between 6 months and 6 years are eligible.
- Pregnant women and lactating mothers residing in Bihar can enroll.
- Applicants should have an active registration at their local Anganwadi center.
Application Process
Offline Registration
Applicants should visit their nearest Anganwadi center to register themselves or their child. Fill out the necessary forms with the Anganwadi worker to start receiving benefits.
Complaints and Grievance Redressal
If applicants face any issues, they should contact the Child Development Project Officer at the project level. They may also escalate concerns to the District Program Officer, the District Officer, or the Divisional Commissioner. For formal grievances, they can write or call the ICDS office or the Social Welfare Department, Government of Bihar.
Documents
Applicants should keep the following documents ready when registering.
- Aadhaar Card for identity verification.
- Birth certificate of the child as proof of age.
- Medical report or certificate proving pregnancy (for pregnant applicants).
- Valid address proof.
- Any other documents requested by the local Anganwadi center.
References
Scheme Details | Official Guidelines | Official Website
FAQ's
Who is eligible for this Programme?
Any child aged 6 months to 6 years, pregnant woman, or lactating mother who is a resident of Bihar and registered at an Anganwadi center is eligible.
How are the meals provided?
Hot cooked meals are provided to children aged 3 to 6 years at the center, while Take-Home Rations (THR) are given for children aged 6 months to 3 years, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
What is on the meal menu?
The weekly menu includes Khichdi, Pulao, Rasiyav, and Semolina pudding. On Wednesdays and Fridays, beneficiaries receive a boiled egg or sprouted gram with jaggery.
How to register?
Applicants should simply register at their nearest Anganwadi center to become a beneficiary.
Are all districts covered by the programme?
Yes, this programme operates across all districts of Bihar.
Where do I submit grievances?
Applicants should contact local Child Development Project Officers, District Program Officers, or higher-level officials at the Social Welfare Department via phone or written application.