Introduction
- Launch: Poshan Abhiyaan was launched in March 2018 to combat malnutrition in India.
- Consolidation: Under the 15th Finance Commission, Poshan Abhiyaan, Anganwadi Services, and the Scheme for Adolescent Girls were merged under Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0.
Key Highlights
- Nature: A centrally sponsored mission executed by States/UTs.
- Accessibility: Universal, self-selecting scheme with no entry barriers, open to all eligible beneficiaries at Anganwadi Centers (AWCs).
Objectives
- Development of human capital.
- Addressing malnutrition and promoting sustainable health.
- Enhancing nutrition awareness and good dietary practices.
Focus Areas
- Maternal Nutrition
- Infant and Young Child Feeding Norms
- Management of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM)
- Wellness through AYUSH practices
- Reduction in Wasting, Stunting, Anaemia, and Underweight prevalence
Strategies for Implementation
- Supplementary Nutrition:
- Targets children (6 months–6 years), pregnant women, lactating mothers, and adolescent girls.
- Revised norms prioritize diet diversity, quality protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients.
- Fortified rice is provided to combat anaemia.
- Millets used for hot cooked meals and take-home rations.
- Community Engagement:
- Behavioral change through Jan Andolan and community-based events (CBEs).
- Poshan Maahs (September) and Poshan Pakhwadas (March-April) promote awareness.
- Digital Tracking:
- Poshan Tracker (Launched: March 2021): Real-time monitoring of beneficiaries and infrastructure at AWCs.
- Available in 24 languages; provides dashboards for analysis and interventions.
Achievements
Projected Population (2021):
- Children (0-5 years): 13.75 crores; 7.54 crores enrolled in AWCs.
- Children (0-6 years): 16.1 crores; 8.82 crores enrolled.
IT-Driven Insights
- Growth Parameters (Oct 2024 Data):
- 0-5 years: 38.9% stunted, 17% underweight, 5.2% wasted.
- 0-6 years: 37% stunted, 17% underweight.
Multi-Sectoral Convergence
- Nutrition improvement involves cross-sector collaboration among 18 Ministries/Departments integrating health, food, water, sanitation, and education sectors.
Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, through its holistic and integrated approach, has brought measurable improvements in nutrition indicators, aiming to achieve sustainable health and well-being for future generations.
Source: PIB