Union Minister Annapurna Devi Launches 8th National Poshan Pakhwada

Jaipur, April 2026: Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi on Thursday launched the 8th National Poshan Pakhwada, a nationwide initiative aimed at promoting nutrition awareness and improving health outcomes for women and children.

Marking the first day of the campaign, Anganwadi centres organised nutrition rallies across various locations. Awareness activities included slogan writing, discussions on nutrition, and participation from Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, and children. Special storytelling sessions titled “Nutrition Stories by Grandmothers” were conducted to spread awareness through traditional narratives.

Health and nutrition camps were also organised at Anganwadi centres for pregnant women and children. Activities included antenatal care (ANC), distribution of iron-folic acid (IFA), promotion of balanced diets, identification of high-risk pregnancies, monitoring of weight gain, and dissemination of information about the PMMVY scheme.

ICDS Director Malawat instructed that on the second day, April 10, all headquarters officials must visit nearby Anganwadi centres at 8:00 a.m. to actively participate in Poshan Pakhwada activities.

A series of events has been planned throughout the campaign. On April 10, activities will include demonstrations of nutritious recipes, cooking competitions, and awareness drives on the harmful effects of junk and packaged food.

On April 11, a campaign to identify developmental milestones in children will be conducted, along with activities based on the Navchetna guidelines.

On April 13, VHSND (Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Day) will be observed, ensuring health check-ups, counselling as per Mamta cards, identification of beneficiaries, and immunisation.

On April 14, language and storytelling sessions will be organised at Anganwadi centres, along with discussions on game-based learning.

April 15 will focus on increasing the participation of male guardians and will include a DIY toy workshop.

On April 16, activities such as games, dance sessions, yoga, and exercise for children will be conducted. Awareness sessions on the risks of excessive screen usage will also be held in schools, Anganwadi centres, and पंचायत institutions.

On April 17, video sessions promoting safe screen limits and healthy digital habits will be organised.

April 18 will feature campaigns like “No Screen Hour” and “Family Play Time,” encouraging outdoor games, physical activities, and awareness about the harmful effects of mobile phones and television.

On April 20, an awareness drive on the Ministry of Women and Child Development’s “Pankhudi Portal” will be conducted, along with efforts to encourage registrations.

On April 21, a donation campaign will be held to collect toys, educational materials, and stationery kits for Anganwadis, with support from donors and CSR initiatives. A Poshan Mela will also be organised on the same day.

On April 22, a social media campaign will be carried out, along with IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) activities in Anganwadi centres, schools, and health facilities.

The campaign will conclude on April 23 with programmes on local platforms involving community leaders, influencers, and sportspersons. Activities such as quizzes, poster-making, and slogan-writing competitions on nutrition and early childhood brain development will be organised to encourage digital engagement. Success stories and innovative practices will also be showcased.