The government has launched Poshan 2.0 under the Ministry for Women and Child Development, aiming to tackle malnutrition, especially among children. This initiative, part of the larger POSHAN Abhiyan mission, focuses on improving nutritional outcomes through integrated child development services. It also encourages establishing Poshan Vatikas or nutrition gardens in aspirational districts. The month of September is celebrated as POSHAN Maah to promote activities like antenatal care, breastfeeding, and healthy eating, ensuring better health for children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
- Mission Poshan 2.0 is an initiative launched by the Ministry for Women and Child Development aimed at combating malnutrition in India.
- This program merges various nutritional schemes to enhance health outcomes for children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
- It highlights the importance of nutritional content, delivery, and health practices, especially in Aspirational Districts.
What is Poshan 2.0?
Mission Poshan 2.0 encompasses the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). These include Anganwadi Services, Poshan Abhiyan, the Scheme for Adolescent Girls, and the National Creche Scheme. Announced in the Union Budget 2021-22, it integrates supplementary nutrition programs with the POSHAN Abhiyaan. The scheme focuses on strengthening nutritional content, delivery mechanisms, and health practices to combat malnutrition and improve wellness and immunity across the nation.
Poshan Maah
September has been celebrated as POSHAN Maah since 2018, aiming to improve nutritional outcomes for children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. This month-long celebration features activities centered on antenatal care, optimal breastfeeding, anemia prevention, growth monitoring, girls’ education, and hygiene. These activities promote Social and Behavioural Change Communication (SBCC) based on Jan Andolan Guidelines to foster healthier lifestyles and better nutrition.
Poshan Vatika
The Poshan Vatika initiative aims to ensure nutrition through organically grown vegetables and fruits, while maintaining healthy soil. Plantation drives for Poshan Vatikas are conducted in anganwadis, school premises, and gram panchayats, involving various stakeholders. This initiative highlights the importance of home-grown produce in providing essential nutrients and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
POSHAN Abhiyaan
Launched on International Women’s Day, 8th March 2018, POSHAN Abhiyaan, also known as the National Nutrition Mission, targets to reduce stunting, undernutrition, anemia, and low birth weight. The mission aims to reduce these conditions by 2-3% per annum and to bring down stunting among children aged 0-6 years from 38.4% to 25% by 2022. This ambitious program addresses critical nutritional challenges in the country.
Malnutrition Status in India
Malnutrition has a significant economic impact on India. According to a 2010 World Bank report, the country suffered an economic loss of Rs 24,000 crore due to poor sanitation, with a health impact costing 38 million dollars. A 2018 Assocham study revealed a 4% decline in GDP due to malnutrition. Malnourished children tend to earn 20% less in adulthood compared to their healthier peers, highlighting the long-term economic consequences.
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 2: Zero Hunger)
Sustainable Development Goal 2 aims to end hunger and all forms of malnutrition by 2030. It seeks to ensure that all people, especially children, have access to sufficient and nutritious food year-round. Achieving this goal is crucial for eradicating hunger and promoting global health and well-being.
Conclusion
Poshan 2.0 is a significant stride towards tackling malnutrition and fostering holistic development in India. It serves as a powerful reminder of the immense potential that coordinated efforts and community involvement hold in creating a healthier nation. As future policymakers, UPSC aspirants should draw inspiration from such initiatives to envision and implement robust social welfare programs that can transform lives.
