Make Poshan Abhiyaan a Jan Andolan: Annpurna Devi

Union Women and Child Development Minister Annpurna Devi on Thursday said the Poshan Abhiyaan should become a ‘jan andolan’ and stressed the need to reduce children’s screen time and improve nutrition in the first six years of life.

Launching the eighth edition of Poshan Pakhwada under the theme ‘Maximising brain development in the first six years of life’, Devi said the campaign is not merely a nutrition programme but an effort to turn it into a “jan andolan” (people’s movement).

“The first six years of a child’s life are the most important. Eighty-five per cent of brain development takes place during this period, so we all have to pay attention to it,” she said.

“This is not just a Poshan Abhiyaan; there are efforts to make it a ‘jan andolan’ under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Devi added.

Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur, Women and Child Development Secretary Anil Malik and Joint Secretary Radhika Jha were also present at the event.

Devi said children are the future of the country, and ensuring proper nutrition in the early years is essential for achieving the goal of a developed India.

“There can be nothing more important than ensuring a better future for our children,” the minister said.

Devi said the women and child development ministry has a vast network of around 14 lakh Anganwadi centres across the country, reaching nearly every village and household.

She said more than 8.9 crore beneficiaries are linked with Anganwadi centres and credited Anganwadi workers for continuing their work in all seasons.