The Ministry of Women and Child Development on Wednesday launched the ninth edition of Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2026, beginning a month-long nationwide campaign to strengthen nutrition awareness, community participation and delivery of nutrition services at the grassroots level.
The campaign, being observed from September 9 to October 8, has been launched under the theme “Hamari Anganwadi, Hamari Jimmedari” and will focus on dietary diversity, adequate protein intake, fresh hot cooked meals, maternal health and early childhood development.
The campaign was formally launched at the Rudraksh International Cooperation and Convention Centre in Varanasi in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Women and Child Development Minister Annpurna Devi, Minister of State Savitri Thakur and Uttar Pradesh Minister for Women Welfare, Child Development and Nutrition Baby Rani Maurya.
Addressing the event, CM Yogi highlighted the growing role of Anganwadi Centres in strengthening nutrition services and supporting the objectives of Poshan Abhiyaan. He said sustained coordination among government departments, community participation and the commitment of frontline workers would be crucial for achieving the goal of a malnutrition-free India.
CM Yogi said Anganwadi Centres in Uttar Pradesh have been upgraded into vibrant community institutions with improved infrastructure and learning environments. He also highlighted the use of smartphones by Anganwadi Workers for real-time data entry and digital monitoring, aimed at improving service delivery.
The Chief Minister further said that Anganwadi Centres are providing Hot Cooked Meals (HCM) and Take Home Ration (THR) to eligible beneficiaries, contributing to improved nutrition among children, pregnant women and lactating mothers. He emphasised that investment in nutrition provides long-term benefits by creating healthier children, stronger families and a stronger nation.
Annpurna Devi said the government is committed to improving nutrition outcomes through Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0. She said more than 14 lakh Anganwadi Centres are currently providing nutrition, health and early childhood care services to over 7.5 crore children, 1.10 crore pregnant and lactating women and nearly 16 lakh adolescent girls.
Emphasising the importance of the first 1,000 days of life, the Minister said the government is upgrading 2 lakh Anganwadi Centres into Saksham Anganwadis. Around 24,000 such centres have been approved in Uttar Pradesh, she said.
Annpurna Devi also highlighted the progress of the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), which has completed 10 years of implementation. According to the Ministry, more than ₹21,000 crore has so far been transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer to over 4.65 crore mothers across the country under the scheme.
The Minister called for greater community participation in promoting dietary diversity, adequate protein intake, fresh hot cooked meals, sanitation and early childhood development. She urged citizens to make nutrition a true Jan Andolan in pursuit of the vision of a Suposhit Bharat and Viksit Bharat@2047.
MoS Thakur called upon communities, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Self-Help Groups and families to actively participate in the nutrition movement and strengthen the delivery of nutrition and childcare services at the grassroots level.
Women and Child Development Ministry Secretary Anil Malik said Poshan Abhiyaan has evolved from a government programme into a nationwide people’s movement. He stressed the need for greater community ownership and accountability and said institutional and technological improvements must translate into better-quality services at every Anganwadi Centre.
A Poshan Mela was also organised at the venue, showcasing local nutritious foods, nutrition-related innovations and best practices adopted by Anganwadi Centres. The event included beneficiary testimonials and films highlighting Hot Cooked Meals, Take Home Ration, home visits and early childhood care and education.
The dignitaries also interacted with selected Anganwadi Workers whose centres were featured in the films presented during the event.
Since the launch of Poshan Abhiyaan in 2018, more than 150 crore Jan Andolan activities have been conducted through Poshan Maah, Poshan Pakhwada and other community engagement initiatives.
During Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2026, activities across the country will focus on dietary diversity and adequate protein intake; fresh hot cooked meals at Anganwadi Centres; community ownership through Anganwadi Management Committees and SNP Menu Boards; nutrition and early stimulation for childhood development; and 10 years of the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana.
The month-long campaign aims to deepen community engagement with Anganwadi Centres and encourage collective action towards better nutrition, maternal health and early childhood development.
