Union Minister Annapurna Devi Launches 8th ‘Poshan Pakhya’

‘Poshan Pakhya’ to be observed from April 9 to April 23

Bhubaneswar, April 2026: Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, formally inaugurated the 8th edition of Poshan Pakhya 2026, today at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. On this occasion, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, Odisha, Dr. Mrinalini Darswal, was present and highlighted the state’s significant initiatives towards building a ‘Suposhit Odisha’ (well-nourished Odisha).

This year, Poshan Pakhya will be observed from April 9 to April 23, with a strong focus on early childhood development, particularly the critical brain development phase in the first six years of a child’s life. The campaign is centered around five key themes: ensuring optimal nutrition for mothers and children, early stimulation for children aged 0–3 years, play-based learning for children aged 3–6 years, the role of parents in reducing screen time (mobile phones and laptops), and strengthening Anganwadi centres.

In this context, a state-level programme was also organized at the conference hall of W & CD Department, Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, where officials from various allied departments participated. Anganwadi workers, along with state and district-level officials from across Odisha, joined the programme through virtual mode.

In line with the Government of India’s guidelines, the State Government has committed to creating widespread awareness at the grassroots level over the next 15 days, aiming to transform holistic child development into a people’s movement.

Aliva Avilipsa