“Let Us Build a Malnutrition-Free Maharashtra Through ‘National Nutrition Month’ – Minister Aditi Tatkare

Mumbai, Sept 2025 : The contribution of Anganwadi workers and helpers in reducing malnutrition across the state, including Mumbai, has been significant. We now have the opportunity to create a well-nourished India along with a malnutrition-free Maharashtra, said Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare.

The state-level launch of the 8th National Nutrition Month campaign was held at Yashwantrao Chavan Pratishthan in the presence of Minister Tatkare and Secretary Dr. Anupkumar Yadav.

On this occasion, the booklet The First Golden 1000 Days of a Child was released, and appointment letters were handed over to newly appointed Anganwadi workers and helpers. The 8th National Nutrition Month will be observed in all Anganwadis across the state from September 17 to October 16.

Minister Tatkare said that since 2018, the Nutrition Month campaign has been implemented to raise awareness and improve the health and nutritional status of women and children. Maharashtra has consistently ranked among the best states in this initiative every year, and this year too, with proper coordination, we aim to excel nationally and move towards the complete eradication of malnutrition.

She highlighted that Anganwadi workers play a crucial role in making the state well-nourished, and for this, 18,000 posts have been filled. Maharashtra also leads in implementing the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, under which 63,000 beneficiaries have received support. Various schemes are being implemented through the Women and Child Development Department for the healthy and bright future of the state. Workers and helpers act as the backbone of nutritional programmes, spreading the message of nutrition, health, and education to every household.

For the holistic development of women, schemes such as Nutrition and Education, Infant and Child Feeding practices, ration and baby kits for pregnant and lactating mothers, Suposhit Gram Panchayat Yojana, and Poshan Abhiyan are being implemented. Additionally, the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana is empowering women economically.

The Minister also announced that awards will be given at the district and state levels to Anganwadi workers and helpers for their outstanding work under the Nutrition Campaign.

Commissioner Kailas Pagare informed that the National Nutrition Month is being implemented in 553 child development projects across 1,10,629 centres in the state. Under the Integrated Child Development Services Scheme, 25,82,330 children aged 6 months to 3 years, 24,74,417 children aged 3 to 6 years, 4,32,234 pregnant women, and 4,23,756 lactating mothers are benefiting.

The central government has identified six special themes for Poshan Maah: reducing obesity, infant and child feeding practices, men’s participation in child nutrition and health, Vocal for Local, integrated action, and digitization. Activities will be conducted accordingly.

To implement the Nav Chetna (New Awareness) campaign, 37,000 helpers and Anganwadi workers have been trained. The Healthy Women, Empowered Families campaign will also run under this initiative. Last year, Maharashtra launched the campaign from Gadchiroli and ranked first in the country. The Commissioner expressed confidence that the state would achieve outstanding results this year as well.