Poshan Abhiyan | General Awareness for SSC CGL PDF Download

Introduction

Poshan Abhiyaan, also known as the National Nutrition Mission, was launched on March 8, 2018, by the Government of India to address malnutrition and improve nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and adolescents. The mission aims to make India malnutrition-free by 2022 (extended beyond) through a holistic, multi-sectoral approach. Implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Poshan Abhiyaan focuses on reducing stunting, undernutrition, anemia, and low birth weight, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 (Zero Hunger). It integrates technology, community participation, and convergence with other schemes to achieve its goals.

Objectives of Poshan Abhiyaan

1. Reduce Malnutrition: Decrease stunting, undernutrition, and low birth weight in children (0-6 years).
2. Combat Anemia: Reduce anemia among children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
3. Improve Nutritional Outcomes: Ensure adequate nutrition for vulnerable groups through targeted interventions.
4. Behavioral Change: Promote healthy eating practices and awareness about nutrition through community engagement.
5. Strengthen Service Delivery: Enhance the efficiency of nutrition-related programs through technology and convergence.
6. Holistic Development: Improve health, nutrition, and early childhood development for long-term socio-economic benefits.

Key Features of Poshan Abhiyaan

Targeted Goals (by 2022, extended beyond):

• Reduce stunting by 2% per year (from 38.4% to 25%).
• Reduce undernutrition by 2% per year.
• Reduce low birth weight by 2% per year.
• Reduce anemia by 3% per year among children, adolescent girls, and women.

Target Beneficiaries:

• Children (0-6 years).
• Pregnant women and lactating mothers.
• Adolescent girls (11-18 years).
• Focus on aspirational districts, tribal areas, and marginalized communities.

Key Interventions:

• Supplementary Nutrition: Provided through Anganwadi Centres under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme.
• Health and Nutrition Services: Immunization, health check-ups, and micronutrient supplementation (e.g., iron, folic acid, vitamin A).
• Behavioral Change Communication (BCC): Awareness campaigns to promote breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and hygiene practices.
• Growth Monitoring: Regular monitoring of children’s weight, height, and nutritional status using WHO growth standards.
• Convergence: Integration with schemes like Swachh Bharat Mission, Jal Jeevan Mission, and Ayushman Bharat for holistic impact.

Technology Integration:

• ICDS-CAS (Common Application Software): Real-time monitoring of nutritional indicators using mobile apps for Anganwadi workers.
• Poshan Tracker: Dashboard to track service delivery, beneficiary coverage, and nutritional outcomes.
• Jan Andolan: Nationwide campaign using social media, radio, and community events to promote nutrition awareness.

Poshan Maah (National Nutrition Month):

• Observed annually in September to intensify awareness and outreach efforts.
• Activities include nutrition rallies, recipe demonstrations, and community-based events.

Poshan Panchayats:

• Gram Panchayats and Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committees (VHSNCs) lead local nutrition initiatives.
• Promote community ownership and accountability for nutrition programs.

Training and Capacity Building:

• Training of Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, and ANMs (Auxiliary Nurse Midwives) on nutrition and health.
• Skill development for preparing nutrient-rich local foods and managing malnutrition.

Financial Support:

• Budget of ₹9,046 crore (2018-2022), with funding shared between Central and State Governments (60:40; 90:10 for North-Eastern states).
• Convergence with schemes like MGNREGA and PMAY for infrastructure support.

Focus on Anemia:

• Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) program to address anemia through iron-folic acid supplementation, deworming, and dietary diversification.
• Targets 6-59-month-old children, adolescents, and women of reproductive age.

Community Engagement:

• Involvement of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), schools, and local leaders in nutrition campaigns.
• Poshan Vatikas (nutrition gardens) to promote local, nutrient-rich produce.

Implementation Structure

Central Level:

• The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) is the nodal ministry for Poshan Abhiyaan.
• National Nutrition Council, chaired by the Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, oversees policy and coordination.
• Technical support from NITI Aayog and development partners like UNICEF.

State Level:

• State Nutrition Missions, led by Chief Secretaries, develop state-specific plans.
• Coordinate with districts for implementation and monitoring.

District Level:

• District Collectors lead District Nutrition Committees to execute and monitor activities.
• Focus on aspirational districts for targeted interventions.

Village Level:

• Anganwadi Centres serve as the primary delivery points for nutrition services.
• Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committees (VHSNCs) drive community-level interventions.

Development Partners:

• Collaboration with NGOs, UNICEF, WHO, and World Bank for technical and financial support.
• CSR initiatives to fund nutrition programs and infrastructure.

Key Achievements of Poshan Abhiyaan

Reduction in Malnutrition:

• Stunting reduced from 38.4% (NFHS-4, 2015-16) to 35.5% (NFHS-5, 2019-21).
• Underweight prevalence decreased from 35.8% to 32.1% in children under 5 (NFHS-5).
• Anemia reduced by 2-3% in targeted groups, though progress remains slower than target.

Anganwadi Coverage:

• Over 14 lakh Anganwadi Centres operational, serving 10 crore beneficiaries (children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers).
• Over 80% of eligible beneficiaries covered with supplementary nutrition.

Poshan Tracker:

• Real-time monitoring of 9 crore beneficiaries through ICDS-CAS and Poshan Tracker.
• Geo-tagging of Anganwadi Centres for transparency.

Behavioral Change:

• Poshan Maah reached millions through campaigns, promoting breastfeeding and dietary diversity.
• Over 10 crore community events organized under Jan Andolan.

Anemia Mukt Bharat:

• Over 6 crore children and women received iron-folic acid supplements.
• Deworming campaigns covered millions of children and adolescents.

Poshan Vatikas:

• Over 1 lakh nutrition gardens established to promote local, nutrient-rich foods.
• Supported dietary diversification in rural and tribal areas.

Challenges of Poshan Abhiyaan

Persistent Malnutrition:

• High rates of stunting and anemia persist, especially in aspirational districts and tribal areas.
• Slow progress in reducing anemia among women and children.

Implementation Gaps:

• Uneven progress across states due to varying administrative capacities.
• Delays in supply of supplementary nutrition and medical supplies in remote areas.

Behavioral Resistance:

• Resistance to adopting healthy eating practices in some communities due to cultural beliefs.
• Limited awareness about nutrition and breastfeeding in rural areas.

Data and Monitoring:

• Inconsistent data collection and reporting in some regions.
• Challenges in real-time monitoring due to connectivity issues in remote areas.

Anganwadi Infrastructure:

• Inadequate facilities and staffing in some Anganwadi Centres.
• Shortage of trained workers for nutrition and health services.

Funding Constraints:

• Limited budget allocation for addressing systemic issues like malnutrition and anemia.
• Dependence on state governments for effective implementation.

Recent Developments and Initiatives

Poshan 2.0 (2021 onwards):

• Focus on strengthening service delivery, sustainability, and addressing anemia.
• Emphasis on digital tools, community engagement, and nutrition gardens.

Poshan Maah and Pakhwada:

• Annual campaigns in September (Poshan Maah) and March (Poshan Pakhwada) to intensify outreach.
• Activities include nutrition rallies, recipe competitions, and anemia screening camps.

Digital Integration:

• Expansion of Poshan Tracker for real-time monitoring of beneficiaries and services.
• Use of AI and data analytics to identify high-risk areas for malnutrition.

Convergence with Other Schemes:

• Integration with Swachh Bharat Mission for sanitation and hygiene.
• Collaboration with Jal Jeevan Mission for clean drinking water to reduce waterborne diseases.
• Linkages with Ayushman Bharat for health check-ups and PMMVY for maternal nutrition.

Poshan Vatikas:

• Expansion of nutrition gardens in schools, Anganwadis, and communities to promote local produce.
• Focus on bio-fortified crops like iron-rich pearl millet and zinc-rich wheat.

Focus on Aspirational Districts:

• Targeted interventions in 112 aspirational districts to address malnutrition and anemia.
• Special campaigns for tribal and marginalized communities.

Impact of Poshan Abhiyaan

Health Impact:

• Reduced stunting, undernutrition, and low birth weight, improving child health outcomes.
• Decreased anemia prevalence, though progress is slower than targeted.

Social Impact:

• Empowered women through nutrition education and access to health services.
• Improved early childhood development, enhancing cognitive and physical growth.

Economic Impact:

• Reduced healthcare costs due to lower incidence of malnutrition-related diseases.
• Enhanced productivity through a healthier and stronger workforce.

Community Impact:

• Increased community participation through Poshan Panchayats and Jan Andolan.
• Promoted dietary diversity and local food systems through Poshan Vatikas.

Policy Impact:

• Strengthened India’s commitment to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and global nutrition goals.
• Set a model for multi-sectoral nutrition programs globally.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Poshan Tracker:

• Real-time tracking of nutritional indicators, Anganwadi services, and beneficiary coverage.
• Monitors state and district-level progress.

Third-Party Evaluations:

• Independent assessments by NITI Aayog, UNICEF, and other agencies to evaluate impact.
• Surveys like NFHS-5 to measure reductions in stunting, anemia, and undernutrition.

Community Monitoring:

• VHSNCs and Poshan Panchayats conduct social audits and monitor service delivery.
• Feedback from beneficiaries through community meetings.

Grievance Redressal:

• Toll-free helplines and Poshan Abhiyaan portal for addressing complaints.
• District-level grievance committees for quick resolution.

Conclusion

Poshan Abhiyaan has been a transformative initiative in addressing malnutrition and improving nutritional outcomes in India. By focusing on stunting, anemia, and undernutrition, the mission has made significant progress in enhancing the health and well-being of children, women, and adolescents. Its multi-sectoral approach, technology integration, and community engagement have driven impactful change, particularly in aspirational districts. Despite challenges like persistent malnutrition and implementation gaps, Poshan 2.0 and innovative campaigns like Poshan Maah are strengthening India’s fight against malnutrition. The mission continues to pave the way for a healthier, malnutrition-free India, aligning with global sustainable development goals.