Varanasi, Sep 9: The ninth edition of Rashtriya Poshan Maah, or National Nutrition Month, is being launched in Varanasi on Wednesday with a renewed focus on improving nutrition, maternal health and child development across the country.
This year’s campaign, centred on the theme “Hamari Anganwadi Hamari Jimmedari”, aims to make Anganwadi centres a stronger hub for nutrition, healthcare, childcare and early learning. The campaign calls for greater participation from families and local communities in ensuring that Anganwadi services reach those who need them most.
Observed every September, Poshan Maah focuses on building healthier habits among pregnant women, lactating mothers, children, adolescents and their families. The campaign promotes balanced diets, adequate protein, child growth monitoring, hygiene and better maternal and infant care.
A major focus this year will be encouraging dietary diversity and the use of locally available, nutritious foods. Anganwadi centres will also promote fresh and varied hot-cooked meals, while greater attention will be given to food quality, hygiene and regular attendance.
The campaign also seeks to strengthen community participation through Anganwadi Management Committees and greater transparency in nutrition services. Menu boards at centres will help families understand what children are being served and encourage local communities to take a more active role in monitoring services.
Nutrition will also be linked closely with early childhood education. The campaign will highlight how proper nutrition supports a child’s physical growth, brain development, learning ability and overall well-being.
Poshan Maah 2026 also marks 10 years of the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), which supports women during pregnancy and encourages timely healthcare and better maternal nutrition.
The campaign places particular emphasis on the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, a crucial period for healthy growth and cognitive development. By supporting mothers and children during this stage, the programme aims to build a stronger foundation for long-term health.
India’s Anganwadi network remains central to these efforts. Nearly 14 lakh Anganwadi centres provide nutrition, childcare and other support services to millions of beneficiaries, including young children, pregnant women, lactating mothers and adolescent girls.
The government launched POSHAN Abhiyaan in 2018 to bring nutrition to the centre of India’s development efforts. These initiatives were later brought together under Mission Poshan 2.0, which combines nutrition services, Anganwadi programmes, early childhood care and support for adolescent girls.
With Poshan Maah 2026, the focus is not only on government schemes but also on encouraging families and communities to become active partners in improving nutrition. The campaign seeks to reinforce the message that a healthier childhood begins with proper nutrition, attentive care and strong community support.