Mission Poshan 2.0

Launched on March 8, 2018, POSHAN Abhiyaan (Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment) by the Government of India aims to place nutrition at the centre of India’s development agenda.

Shift in Approach: The mission marks a transition from viewing nutrition as a welfare issue to recognising it as a key driver of human capital, linked to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and long-term economic growth.

Institutional Framework: Anchored in the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the programme integrates efforts of over 26 ministries, acknowledging that malnutrition requires multi-sectoral action including health, sanitation, education, and women’s empowerment.

Mission Poshan 2.0:
The Union Budget 2021–22 consolidated nutrition schemes under Mission Poshan 2.0 (Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0), creating a unified framework.

Subsumed Schemes: The restructuring merged:

• Anganwadi Services
• Scheme for Adolescent Girls
• POSHAN Abhiyaan

Focus Areas: The mission emphasises:

• Maternal nutrition
• Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF)
• Management of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM)
• Promotion of AYUSH-based wellness practices

Supplementary Nutrition: Nutritional support is provided to children (6 months–6 years), pregnant women, lactating mothers, and adolescent girls as per norms under the National Food Security Act, 2013.

Early Childhood Care: The National ECCE Policy 2013 highlights the importance of ensuring Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) for all children below six years.

Saksham Anganwadi Initiative: Under this initiative, 2 lakh Anganwadi Centres are being upgraded with modern facilities like LED screens, water purifiers, smart learning tools, and Poshan Vatikas (nutrition gardens).

Poshan Pakhwada: Observed annually since 2018, Poshan Pakhwada is a two-week outreach campaign held in April to promote nutrition awareness. In 2026, its 8th edition is being conducted from April 9 to 23.

Scientific Basis: Research shows that over 85% of brain development occurs by the age of six, with the first 1000 days being the most critical for physical and cognitive growth, underscoring the importance of early nutrition interventions.