What Privacy Protections Are Built into the Poshan App for Anganwadi Centres? MoS Savitri Thakur

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What Privacy Protections Are Built into the Poshan App for Anganwadi Centres? MoS Savitri Thakur

Synopsis

Discover the vital privacy protections embedded in the Poshan Tracker application, as highlighted by MoS Savitri Thakur. This innovative tool is not only enhancing nutrition delivery at Anganwadi centres but also ensuring the security of sensitive data with various safeguards. Find out how it empowers over 8.95 lakh Anganwadi workers across the country.

Key Takeaways

  • Poshan Tracker application ensures data privacy for Anganwadi services.
  • 8.95 lakh Anganwadi workers trained nationwide.
  • Encrypted internal database protects sensitive information.
  • Grievance redressal mechanisms are integral to Poshan 2.0.
  • Helpline available in 17 languages for support.

New Delhi, Dec 5 (NationPress) The Minister of State (MoS) for Women and Child Development, Savitri Thakur, emphasized on Friday that the Poshan Tracker application, utilized in Mission Poshan 2.0 for nutrition delivery at Anganwadi centres, incorporates various data protection measures to ensure privacy.

Responding to a question in the Lok Sabha, MoS Thakur stated that the IT systems under the Saksham Anganwadi and Mission Poshan 2.0 initiatives have been harnessed to enhance and promote transparency in nutrition delivery systems.

Detailing some of the privacy safeguards embedded in these IT tools, the MoS noted that the Poshan Tracker application is primarily accessed by Anganwadi workers and is not available to the public or unauthorized individuals.

Access is monitored, role-based, and logged to prevent any misuse, she explained.

As of November 30, a total of 8.95 lakh Anganwadi workers have been trained nationwide to effectively utilize the Poshan Tracker application and its dashboard.

MoS Thakur also mentioned that the technology employed in the Poshan Tracker is instrumental in dynamically identifying issues such as stunting, wasting, and underweight prevalence among children.

This system has enabled near real-time data collection for various Anganwadi services, including the operation timings of Anganwadi centres, daily child attendance, and children’s growth monitoring, she added.

Addressing security aspects, the MoS highlighted that the application’s internal database is encrypted, safeguarding sensitive information from unauthorized access.

The collected beneficiary data adheres to existing data protection protocols that enforce purpose limitation, informed consent, and access restrictions.

All face verification requests and responses are encrypted during transmission, ensuring data protection from interception or tampering.

No images or data are permanently stored on devices, and as a precaution, all cached or temporary data is automatically deleted when an Anganwadi worker logs out of the application, ensuring that private data remains inaccessible to the public.

MoS Thakur noted that face images are processed in an encoded format within the application for secure transmission and processing.

She explained that Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Mission Poshan 2.0 is a centrally sponsored initiative where the implementation responsibilities lie with the states and Union Territories.

This mission serves as a universal self-selecting umbrella scheme, eliminating entry barriers for beneficiaries seeking to register and receive services.

The Ministry, through the Savitri Bai Phule National Institute of Women and Child Development, has facilitated training for various stakeholders in using the Poshan Tracker application and dashboard.

A grievance redressal mechanism is a fundamental aspect of Poshan 2.0.

Anganwadi workers can also submit their grievances through the Poshan Tracker application and dashboard.

Additionally, the Poshan Helpline (1515), launched in November 2022, allows Anganwadi workers to report issues related to the application.

The helpline is accessible in 17 languages.

Point of View

I believe the advancements in privacy protection within the Poshan Tracker application reflect the government's commitment to safeguarding sensitive data while enhancing nutrition delivery systems. It’s crucial that both transparency and security are prioritized in initiatives impacting our children’s health and well-being. This initiative demonstrates a balanced approach to utilizing technology for social good.
NationPress
05/12/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Poshan Tracker application?
The Poshan Tracker application is a digital tool used in Mission Poshan 2.0 to facilitate nutrition delivery at Anganwadi centres, ensuring enhanced transparency and data protection.
How many Anganwadi workers have been trained on the application?
As of November 30, a total of 8.95 lakh Anganwadi workers have been trained to use the Poshan Tracker application and its dashboard.
What are the privacy protections in place for the application?
The application features role-based access, encrypted data storage, and stringent data protection protocols to safeguard sensitive information.
How can Anganwadi workers submit grievances?
Anganwadi workers can submit grievances through the Poshan Tracker application and dashboard or by contacting the Poshan Helpline (1515).
Is the Poshan Helpline available in multiple languages?
Yes, the Poshan Helpline is operational in 17 languages to accommodate a diverse range of Anganwadi workers.
Nation Press