Minimum needs programme in India

The Minimum Needs Programme (MNP) was introduced in the first year of the Fifth Five Year Plan (1974-78). The objective of the programme is to provide certain basic minimum needs and thereby improve the living standards of the people. It is the expression of the commitment of the government for the "social and economic development of the community particularly the underprivileged and underserved population".

There are two basic principles which are to be observed in the implementation of MNP

1. The facilities under MNP are to be first provided to those areas which are at present underserved so as to remove disparities between different areas.
2. The facilities under MNP should be provided as a package to an area through intersectoral area projects, to have a greater impact.

Components of Minimum Needs Programme

The programme includes the following components:

In the field of rural health, the objectives to be achieved by the end of the Eighth Five Year Plan, under the minimum needs programme were:

1. One Primary health centre (PHCs) 30000 population in plains and 20000 population in tribal and hilly areas.
2. One sub-centre for a population of 5000 people in the plains and for 3000 in tribal and hilly areas.
3. One community health centre (CHCs) for a population of one lakh.

The establishment of PHCs, sub-centres, upgradation of PHCs, and construction of buildings thereof are all included in the State sector of the minimum needs programme.

In the field of nutrition, the objectives are:

1. To extend nutrition support to 11 million eligible persons.
2. To expand 'special nutrition programme' to all the ICDS projects.
3. To consolidate the Mid-day meal programme and link it to health, potable water and sanitation.