What is 'Sanjha Chulha Yojna' of Madhya Pradesh? Elaborate its impact.

'Sanjha Chulha Yojana' of Madhya Pradesh and Its Impact:

Launched in November 2009 by the Government of Madhya Pradesh, the 'Sanjha Chulha' (Common Hearth) scheme integrated the cooking arrangements of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDM) in primary schools and the Supplementary Nutrition Programme of Anganwadi Centres (ICDS) through Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

• Core Objectives:
  • Eliminating separate cooking infrastructures by operating a unified, hygienic community kitchen.
  • Empowering rural Women SHGs by entrusting them with cooking contracts and livelihood income.
• Multi-Dimensional Impact:
  • Nutritional Enhancement: Ensured fresh, warm, hygienic, and nutritious meals for both school children and preschool children/mothers.
  • Social Integration: Fostered communal harmony and broke caste barriers by making children of all communities eat together from a shared hearth.
  • Economic Empowerment: Provided steady financial earnings and administrative capability to thousands of rural women SHGs across MP.