WCD dedicated to ensuring holistic health and nutrition of future generations: Annpurna Devi

During her address, Smt. Annpurna Devi pledged to achieve nutrition-related goals nationwide as part of the 7th Poshan Maah 2024.

In a significant move to enhance child welfare, the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Annpurna Devi, chaired the “Kuposhan Mukt Jharkhand” event in Koderma, organized by the District Administration. The event showcased several key initiatives, including the Poshan Oath, discussions on the “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” campaign, facilitation for PMMVY beneficiaries, and awards for outstanding students in 10th and 12th grades. Programs for Godh Bharai and Annaprashan were also conducted.

The Poshan Abhiyaan, launched by the Prime Minister on March 8, 2018, serves as the Government of India’s flagship scheme aimed at improving nutritional outcomes for children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. It focuses on addressing malnutrition through strategic shifts in nutrition delivery, fostering a collaborative ecosystem to enhance health, wellness, and immunity.

During her address, Smt. Annpurna Devi pledged to achieve nutrition-related goals nationwide as part of the 7th Poshan Maah 2024. She underscored the significance of community well-being, healthy diets, and lifestyles, stating, “The Ministry of Women and Child Development is dedicated to ensuring the holistic health and nutrition of future generations. Our initiatives, including Poshan Maah and Mission Saksham Anganwadi, are crucial in the fight against malnutrition. I am encouraged by the active participation of the people of Jharkhand, and together, we will ensure that no child or woman suffers from malnutrition.”

At the Anganwadi center in Balrotand, the Minister highlighted the “Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi” initiative, emphasizing the comprehensive development of children by providing essential nutrition alongside high-quality early education. To date, 15,364 Anganwadi workers have been trained as state-level master trainers, with 10,756 workers receiving training in basic literacy and early childhood care, impacting 344,192 children across the state.

The Minister acknowledged the key achievements of Poshan Maah 2024, which focuses on six core themes: Anaemia, Growth Monitoring, Complementary Feeding, Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi, Technology for Better Governance, and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam. Jharkhand has conducted over 12.53 lakh sensitization activities across all 24 districts, showcasing the community's dedication to improving nutritional standards.

Smt. Annpurna Devi also emphasized the environmental aspects of Poshan Maah 2024, promoting tree planting in 13.95 lakh Anganwadi centers nationwide, with over 50 lakh saplings planted under the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign.

Recognizing the collaborative efforts of various ministries, including Education, Health and Family Welfare, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, and AYUSH, she highlighted their roles in supporting Poshan Maah 2024. She also acknowledged the contributions of PIB and MyGov in advancing these initiatives.

In conclusion, Smt. Annapurna Devi praised the integrated efforts of various ministries and government bodies in raising nutritional awareness. She pledged continued support for upgrading Anganwadi Centers in Jharkhand and reiterated that achieving a malnutrition-free India is a collective responsibility. With the active involvement of all stakeholders, she expressed confidence in reaching their goals and ensuring a healthier future for every child and mother in the country.

The Ministry remains committed to a malnutrition-free India through collaborative efforts and sustainable practices. Poshan Maah 2024 exemplifies the vision of a Viksit Bharat, as envisioned by the Prime Minister. 4o mini