Take home rations (THR) and cash transfers for maternal and child nutrition: A synthesis of evidence in India

The futures of young children are often overwhelmingly determined by chance. There is consensus that the 1000 days since conception are critical for a child’s nutritional status and the environment in which children are born often shapes the inputs and investments they get during this formative period (Black, et al. 2013). Failure to secure a child’s wellbeing during this Window of Opportunity could lead to irreversible negative long-term effects on physical and cognitive development, productivity and lifetime earnings (Lancet, 2013; Bhutta et al., 2013; Case et al., 2005).

This paper synthesises evidence on Indian programs targeting maternal and child nutrition.