Poshan Abhiyaan aims to improve nutritional outcomes through technology, cross-sectoral convergence, and community involvement.
Poshan Abhiyaan
- Launched: 8th March 2018 in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan.
- Ministry: Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD).
- Target Groups: Adolescent girls, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children (0-6 years).
- Approach: Targeted and convergent nutrition strategy.
Objectives:
- Reduce malnutrition indicators annually:
- Stunting: 2% reduction per year.
- Undernutrition: 2% reduction per year.
- Anaemia (Women & Children): 3% reduction per year.
- Low Birth Weight: 2% reduction per year.
Strategic Pillars of Poshan Abhiyaan
1. Quality Services
- Strengthens health services via ICDS, NHM, and PMMVY.
- Focuses on child’s first 1,000 days for maximum impact.
2. Cross-Sectoral Convergence
- Integrates ministries like Water & Sanitation, Health, Education, and Rural Development for a holistic approach.
- National Council on India’s Nutrition Challenges (NITI Aayog):
- Guides policy and monitors quarterly progress.
3. Technology-Based Monitoring
- Poshan Tracker: Real-time monitoring of beneficiaries.
- ICDS-Common Application Software: Strengthens Anganwadi service delivery.
4. Jan Andolan (People’s Movement)
- Community-led initiatives to raise awareness and bring behavioral change.
Nutritional Improvement (NFHS-5 vs. NFHS-4)
| Indicator | NFHS-4 (2015-16) | NFHS-5 (2019-21) | Improvement |
| Wasting (Low weight-for-height | 21% | 19.3% | ↓ 1.7% |
| Undernutrition (Low weight-for-age) | 35.7% | 32.1% | ↓ 3.6% |
| Stunting (Low height-for-age) | 38.4% | 35.5% | ↓ 2.9% |
Mission Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0
- Also known as Mission Poshan 2.0.
- Aims to improve health, wellness, immunity, and Anganwadi infrastructure.
- Key Upgrades:
- Dedicated Anganwadi buildings.
- Functional toilets & drinking water access.
Poshan Abhiyaan is India’s largest nutrition program, addressing malnutrition through multi-sectoral collaboration and technology-driven monitoring. Poshan 2.0 and Jan Andolan initiatives aim for long-term sustainable improvements in child and maternal health.
