28August 2019.Chandigarh.

POSHAN Abhiyaan “PM’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment”, formally launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan on 08th March 2018.  Hon’ble Prime Minster has desired that the Mission should be converted into a JAN ANDOLAN for effective implementation and desired reach.

Last year, Rashtriya POSHAN Maah was celebrated in the month of September, 2018 followed by POSHAN Pakhwada from 08th to 22nd March, 2019. Ministry of Women and Child Development now decided to further intensify its efforts and celebrate POSHAN Maah during September, 2019.

As per guidelines of Ministry of Women & Child Development, Govt. of India, New Delhi, the month of September is to be celebrated as the Rashtriya POSHAN Maah across the country and U.T. Chandigarh will also celebrate Rashtriya POSHAN Maah from 1st September 2019 to 30th September 2019 to combat the challenge of malnutrition in convergence with line departments.

A meeting in convergence with all the line departments was held under the Chairmanship of Worthy Secretary Social Welfare, Chandigarh Administration on 28th August, 2019 to prepare and review the Action Plan for the celebration of POSHAN Maah to be held from 1st September, 2019 to 30th September, 2019. Ms. Navjot Kaur, Director Social Welfare, Dr. M.L. Dewan, DHS, Ms. Sudha Katyal, Principal Home Science College, Sh. Mahinder Singh, Joint Director Sports, Dr. Bhavneet, PGIMER and officers/officials from the department of Social Welfare, Health & Family Welfare, Sports, Public Health, School Education, Higher Education, Municipal Corporation, Housing and Urban Affairs, AYUSH, Information and Broadcasting attended the meeting.

POSHAN Maah 2019 intends to increase visibility of nutrition among mothers of young children, adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women, family members (husbands, father, mothers-in-law), and service providers. Apart from organizing Jan Andolan activities across the month of September, State/UTs will adopt innovative approaches like “POSHAN Bhagidari” (enhance the community ownership) and promote “POSHAN Par Charcha ” and POSHAN Choupal (talks, panel discussion, debates etc.) to promote nutrition at State/district/Block level. 

During POSHAN Maah, the main focus will be on the Themes of “First 1000 Days of the Child, Anaemia, Diarrhoea, Hand Washing & Sanitation, Poshtik Aahar (wholesome Meal with diet diversity)”. Special emphases will be given to promote Exclusive Breastfeeding, Complementary Feeding, Antenatal and Postnatal Care, Dietary Diversity of Mothers & Children, Anemia Prevention, Sanitation and Hygiene, Diarrhea Management.

To make the POSHAN Maah a success, Anganwadi Workers, Auxiliary Nursing Midwifery (ANM), Lady Supervisors, Self Help Groups, Teachers, NYKs, NSS, NCC, Scouts & Guide, Brand Ambassadors, NGOs, Social Media Team, Local Leaders will act as Enablers.

The Secretary Social Welfare, Chandigarh Administration encouraged all the departments to show full enthusiasm and conduct activities based on all themes in accordance with the Ministry’s guidelines during POSHAN Maah. He also asked the department to take the innovative initiatives like  “POSHAN Bhagidari” (enhance the community ownership) and promoting “POSHAN Par Charcha ” and POSHAN Choupal (talks, panel discussion, debates etc.). 

At the end, Secretary Social Welfare also directed all the departments to prepare Action Plan for the celebration of POSHAN Maah and submit the same to the Department of Social Welfare.