IAS Anshul Gupta is a 2016 batch officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre and is currently posted as the Collector of  Vidisha, MP. Known for his focus and grit, Gupta is scripting a silent revolution in nutrition governance in Vidisha.
 
Under Gupta’s leadership, Vidisha has launched an innovative, people-driven initiative- Mission Malnutrition: Vidisha’s ‘Poshan Sanjeevani’ to eradicate malnutrition.
 
The challenge was massive—widespread Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), low maternal awareness, and infrastructural gaps. But what followed was a mission-mode response. The district administration launched “Poshan Sanjeevani Abhiyan”, a flagship campaign that went beyond schemes and statistics. It became a people’s movement.
 
This Initiative Emerges as a National Model in a state where malnutrition among under-five children has long posed a grave public health crisis.
 
The Strategy: Community, Convergence, Compassion
 
The core strength of Poshan Sanjeevani lies in its clear philosophy, nutrition is not just a health issue, but a societal one.The campaign's strength came from inter-departmental collaboration and grassroots engagement. “Departments of Health, Women and Child Development (WCD), Panchayati Raj, and civil society groups worked in seamless coordination to implement a multi-pronged strategy.” He quoted

•      Strengthening Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres (NRCs)
Five NRCs across block headquarters were upgraded into modern “Poshan Kendras”, offering round-the-clock pediatric care, nutritional monitoring, and personalized treatment. Children admitted to these centers now receive focused attention from medical interventions to emotional support.

•      Poshan Kits: A Community-Backed Solution
To overcome resource gaps, the administration tapped into community donations, SHG efforts, and CSR funding to create Poshan Kits containing hygiene items, steel utensils and locally sourced nutritious food. “This strategy not only bridged resource gaps but also built a strong emotional stake among community members” He explained

•      Behaviour Change as the Cornerstone
Recognizing that nutrition is not just about feeding, the campaign emphasized maternal education, proper breastfeeding practices, hand hygiene, dietary diversity  and continuous counselling. “Peer educator - Trained mothers and anganwadi workers, handheld families through the recovery process. He explained

•      Data-Driven Action
Monthly reviews, digital dashboards, MIS tracking and field visits by pediatricians and nutritionists ensured real-time monitoring and accountability. This data-backed model allowed for swift course corrections and consistent quality across intervention points.

From strengthening health systems to transforming mindsets, IAS Anshul Gupta is bringing a new ray of hope in Vidisha, MP.