Rajasthan Aims for Top Rank Again in Poshan Pakhwada, Calls for Stronger ICDS Efforts: Deputy CM Diya Kumari

Jaipur, April 2026 : Deputy Chief Minister and Women & Child Development Minister Diya Kumari on Friday called for intensified efforts by the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) to ensure Rajasthan secures the top position once again in the ongoing Poshan Pakhwada campaign.

Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she said that the regular organisation of National Poshan Pakhwada and Poshan Maah under his guidance has significantly enhanced awareness about nutrition among children up to six years of age. She stressed that the first six years of a child’s life are the most crucial and require proper nutrition and care, which can only be ensured through active community participation. “A well-nourished child leads to a brighter nation,” she remarked.

Diya Kumari was speaking as the chief guest at a nutrition programme आयोजित on the second day of the eighth National Poshan Pakhwada at an Anganwadi centre in JP Colony, Ward 24, Sector-4, Vidhyadhar Nagar in Jaipur.

Highlighting the long-term impact of child nutrition, she said that children born today will become fully grown adults by 2047. If they are provided with proper nutrition, education, and healthcare, they will be capable of leading the nation with strength and vision, ensuring a secure and prosperous future.

She noted that the eighth Poshan Pakhwada is being observed from April 9 to April 23 at Anganwadi centres across the country, aimed at spreading awareness about child nutrition. Encouraging Anganwadi workers, she described them as “nutrition ambassadors” and appreciated their compassionate efforts in delivering early childhood education and nutrition through play-based learning.

The Deputy Chief Minister acknowledged the commendable work of the ICDS team, noting that Rajasthan secured second place in the National Poshan Maah held last September and first place in the previous Poshan Pakhwada. “We must build on this success and work harder to bring Rajasthan to the top again this year,” she said.

On the occasion, Diya Kumari administered a nutrition pledge to Anganwadi workers and women present at the event. She also released the “Navchetna Margdarshika” and visited a nutrition exhibition आयोजित as part of the campaign. Additionally, she distributed nutrition bars to children at the Anganwadi centre and performed the Annaprashan ceremony for infants up to six months of age.

Women and Child Development Secretary Poonam highlighted that nearly 85 percent of a child’s brain development occurs by the age of six. She stressed that investing in proper nutrition during this critical period is one of the most productive steps toward nation-building.

UNICEF Rajasthan State Head K. L. Rao also emphasised that providing adequate nutrition to children can significantly improve brain development and contribute to a brighter future for the country.

ICDS Director Vasudev Malawat stated that successful implementation of Poshan Pakhwada activities across villages and remote hamlets requires collective effort and dedication. He noted that on the very first day of the campaign, over one lakh activities were uploaded on the Rajasthan dashboard, reflecting strong participation.

Senior officials, including Additional Director (Nutrition) Anupama Tailor, Jaipur ICDS Deputy Director Parthavi Sharma, Deputy Director Dr. Manju Yadav, along with staff, Anganwadi workers, and local women, were present at the event.