In a significant move to enhance child welfare, the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Annpurna Devi, chaired the “Kuposhan Mukt Jharkhand” event in Koderma, organized by the District Administration today. The event featured the Poshan Oath, discussions on "Beti Bachao Beti Padhao," facilitation for PMMVY beneficiaries, and awards for outstanding 10th and 12th-grade students. Additionally, programs for Godh Bharai and Annaprashan were held.

The Poshan Abhiyaan, launched by the  Prime Minister on 8^th March, 2018, is the Government of India’s flagship scheme aimed at improving nutritional outcomes for children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. It seeks to tackle malnutrition through a strategic shift in nutrition delivery, fostering a convergent ecosystem to promote health, wellness, and immunity.

During her address, Smt. Annpurna Devi pledged to achieve nutrition-related goals nationwide as part of the 7^th Poshan Maah 2024, emphasizing the importance of community well-being, healthy diets, and lifestyles. She stated, “The Ministry of Women and Child Development is dedicated to ensuring the holistic health and nutrition of future generations. Our initiatives, including Poshan Maah and Mission Saksham Anganwadi, are crucial in the fight against malnutrition. I am encouraged by the active participation of the people of Jharkhand, and together, we will ensure that no child or woman suffers from malnutrition.”

At the Anganwadi center in Balrotand, the Minister highlighted th “Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi” initiative, which emphasizes the holistic development of children by providing not only essential nutrition but also high-quality early education. A total of 15,364 Anganwadi workers have been trained as state-level master trainers, and 10,756 workers have received training in basic literacy and early childhood care, impacting 344,192 children across the state.

The Minister acknowledged the key achievements of Poshan Maah 2024, which focuses on six core themes: Anaemia, Growth Monitoring, Complementary Feeding, Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi, Technology for Better Governance, and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam. Jharkhand has conducted over 12.53 lakh sensitization activities across all 24 districts, reflecting the community's commitment to improving nutritional standards.

Furthermore, Smt. Annpurna Devi emphasized the environmental aspects of Poshan Maah 2024, promoting tree planting in 13.95 lakh Anganwadi centers nationwide, with over 50 lakh saplings planted under the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign.

The Minister recognized the collaborative efforts of various Ministries, including Education, Health and Family Welfare, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, and AYUSH, in supporting Poshan Maah 2024. She also acknowledged the contributions of PIB and MyGov in driving these initiatives forward.

Concluding her visit, Smt. Annpurna Devi commended the integrated efforts of various Ministries and government bodies in raising nutritional awareness and pledged continued support for upgrading Anganwadi Centers in Jharkhand. The Minister reiterated that the path to a malnutrition-free India is a shared responsibility. With the active involvement of all stakeholders, we are confident in achieving our goals and ensuring a healthier future for every child and mother in the country.

The Ministry remains committed to achieving a malnutrition-free India through collaborative efforts and sustainable practices. Poshan Maah 2024 exemplifies the vision of a Viksit Bharat, as envisioned by the  Prime Minister.

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SS/MS