Inter-departmental Approach for Good Food Policies – Ujjain, India

An inter-departmental participative approach to guide food policy and promote health
Sharing knowledge and skills across sectors
Ensuring collaboration and coordination through a participatory strategy

Since 2004, the religious city of Ujjain has experienced significant growth in its commercial, tourism, and economic sectors, being visited by 100,000 pilgrims daily. This expansion in urbanisation and tourism led to the creation of new markets and the development of private food businesses. It has also led to the densification of existing markets, resulting in a higher demand and supply for packaged food and beverages. To effectively manage the increasing pressures, there is a need for inter-departmental institutions involving a wide range of stakeholders to implement food policies. This approach aims to prioritise the well-being of citizens’ health while promoting tourism. To ensure effective governance, the administration has established a Special Committee to oversee these efforts. Additionally, a jury member committee collaborates closely with the Special Committee to manage tasks and make decisions. The main goal behind these committees is to encourage cross-sectoral cooperation and strategic sharing of knowledge and skills.

Citation

Food Action Cities. (2023, September 10). Inter-departmental Approach for Good Food Policies – Ujjain, India, Food Action Cities. https://foodactioncities.org/case-studies/inter-departmental-approach-for-good-food-policies–ujjain-india/

Photo: by “Ujjain, Ram Ghat” by Arian Zwegers is licensed under CC BY 2.0 through https://libguides.wintec.ac.nz/APA7/creative-commons-images

The action and its aims

Ujjain has adopted an inter-departmental participatory strategy that prioritises the health of citizens and promotes tourism. The primary objective of this approach is to ensure collaboration and coordination among different sectors in safeguarding public health and enhancing tourism opportunities.

When it was introduced

The strategy was introduced in 2022.

Why it was needed

Ujjain is a religious city and is visited by 100,000 pilgrims a day.In Ujjain you can find the Mahakala Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu sites in India. As the tourist and food sector grew significantly inter-departmental collaboration was necessary to improve its governance.

Who initiated it, who is involved

The inter-departmental participative approach was initiated by the city of Ujjain. In the Special Committee that was established, participant members from related departments such as Municipality, Food and Drugs Administration, Education, Horticulture, Agriculture, Public relations, and Health are active.