Target to Bring Major Improvement in Nutrition of Women and Children – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Mumbai, March 2026: Maharashtra has taken a significant step towards effectively controlling malnutrition in the state and bringing notable improvement in the health and nutrition of women and children. A five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Women and Child Development Department and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF). Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed confidence that this partnership will help achieve substantial progress in maternal and child nutrition indicators.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Women and Child Development Department Secretary Dr. Anupkumar Yadav. On behalf of the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, Executive Director Manjula Singh, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Akhil Paliath, and other senior representatives were present. Under this agreement, special emphasis will be placed on effectively controlling malnutrition.

Benefits of direct benefit transfer schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) will be extended to a maximum number of eligible women, ensuring their effective utilisation. In the initial phase, intensive implementation will be carried out in the districts of Palghar, Jalna, Nandurbar, Gadchiroli, and Amravati, along with technical support at the state level.

Additionally, CIFF will appoint nutrition and public health experts to strengthen awareness and communication efforts. A comprehensive campaign will be conducted to promote proper nutrition and healthy practices from pregnancy through the first 1,000 days of a child’s life.

Through evidence-based interventions, technical assistance, and capacity building of field workers, service delivery will be strengthened. Real-time monitoring of programmes, data-driven decision-making, and robust monitoring systems will enhance the quality and effectiveness of the schemes.

This partnership is expected to strengthen the service delivery system and improve the reach and quality of initiatives under the Women and Child Development Department, paving the way for a healthier and more secure future for mothers and children in Maharashtra.