Union Minister Smt Annpurna Devi Launches 7th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2024 [Current Affairs]

The 7th Rashtriya Poshan Maah was launched today at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, marking a significant step towards enhancing nutrition awareness and well-being across the nation. The event featured prominent figures such as Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi, Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, and Gujarat’s Minister of Women and Child Development Smt. Bhanuben Babariya, alongside senior officials from both the Government of India and the State Government of Gujarat.

Nationwide Plantation Drive

The day commenced with a nationwide plantation drive titled “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam,” conducted from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi, Gujarat WCD Minister, and senior officials led the initiative by planting fruit-bearing trees at an Anganwadi Centre in Gandhinagar. This act highlighted the dual focus on nutrition and environmental sustainability.

Main Event at Mahatma Mandir

The main event, held at Mahatma Mandir, featured a keynote address by Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel, who emphasized the crucial role of nutrition in fostering healthy, strong human resources vital for national development. Smt. Annpurna Devi, in her address, stressed the importance of improving child and adolescent health while addressing malnutrition through a lifecycle approach. She highlighted the four key pillars of Poshan 2.0: good governance, convergence, capacity building, and community participation.

Keynote Addresses and Scheme Disbursement

Anil Malik, Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, spoke on promoting dietary diversity and incorporating locally grown nutritious foods into daily diets. The event also featured the distribution of nutri-baskets to pregnant and lactating mothers and annaprashan ceremonies for infants. Dignitaries handed over entitlements under various schemes, including Vahli Dikri Yojna, Widow Pension Scheme, Widow Remarriage Assistance Scheme, and Mahila Swalamban Yojna.

Exhibition and Cultural Performances

An exhibition at the venue showcased key initiatives such as the Poshan Tracker and Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi, along with state-specific programs like ‘Vangi Pradarshan’ and the 181 helpline. Regional cultural performances and plays highlighted important themes such as breastfeeding and complementary feeding, reinforcing the significance of nutrition.

Focus and Vision

The 7th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2024 will focus on Anaemia, Growth Monitoring, Complementary Feeding, Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi, Technology for Better Governance, and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam. In line with the Prime Minister’s vision of a ‘Suposhit Bharat,’ Smt. Annpurna Devi described Poshan Maah as evolving into a nationwide festival and Jan Andolan. Through Mission Poshan 2.0, the Ministry of Women and Child Development is committed to combating malnutrition among children, adolescents, pregnant women, and lactating mothers, aiming to promote holistic well-being across the country.