Varanasi, Sep 7: Union Women and Child Development Minister Annpurna Devi will launch the ninth Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2026 in Varanasi on September 9.
The month-long campaign will focus on improving nutrition among women and children and encouraging communities to take a more active role in their health and well-being. The launch will be held at the Rudraksh International Cooperation and Convention Centre in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other senior officials.
This year’s theme, “Hamari Anganwadi, Hamari Jimmedari”, highlights the important role of Anganwadi Centres in providing nutrition, healthcare, childcare and early learning to children.
The campaign will promote healthy and balanced diets, with special attention to adequate protein and dietary diversity. It will also encourage the serving of fresh, nutritious hot-cooked meals at Anganwadi Centres.
Community participation will be another key focus. Anganwadi Management Committees and local communities will be encouraged to take greater responsibility for monitoring nutrition services and improving the functioning of the centres.
The campaign will also focus on early childhood development and education, along with maternal nutrition and healthcare. This year also marks 10 years of the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, which supports pregnant and lactating women.
Poshan Maah 2026 will be observed throughout September across States and Union Territories through activities at Anganwadi Centres, schools, Panchayats and households.
The campaign aims to make nutrition a part of everyday life and encourage families and communities to work together for healthier children and mothers.