Nations worldwide have responded to COVID-19 through 1,100 social protection programs to help 1.8 billion-plus people. Yet recipients are largely in the dark about the programs and do not know how to access funds. This blog examines the importance of better communication around social protection programs, particularly for the vulnerable population.

The blog highlights the road ahead for the Indian government’s new program—One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC). The objective of the program is to build upon the digitization of the Public Distribution System (PDS) with a focus on beneficiary-centric reforms.

The blog examines the role of food fortification as a measure against the prevalence of malnutrition in India. Further, it highlights the potential of providing fortified food grains through the Public Distribution System to provide micro nutrients to over 800 million beneficiaries.