Poshan abhiyaan scheme: a comprehensive guide to india’s healthier future

15/09/25

Inspiring Stories

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POSHAN Abhiyaan Scheme: Building a Healthier India Through Nutrition and Awareness

Proper nutrition is one of the finest grounds towards building a healthier and progressive nation. It is on this same realisation that the Government of India introduced the POSHAN Abhiyaan Scheme, a flagship project that will facilitate child nutrition, maternal health and overall well-being. It is a programme that will determine the vision of the healthier future of India and one that will unite communities, families and institutions in bringing in sustainable change.

At Bal Raksha Bharat (also known as Save the Children India), we focus on activities in line with the national priorities, including POSHAN Abhiyan to enhance the awareness, practices and access to nutrition among children and mothers. All these efforts can be used to develop long-term solutions that will lead to a healthier and brighter future.

What is the POSHAN Abhiyaan?

The POSHAN Abhiyaan scheme (Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment) was launched in 2018 to reduce dietary deficiency and enhance nutrition outcomes in India. It focuses on:

• Improving nutritional practices among children, adolescents, and mothers
• Leveraging technology to monitor growth and health data
• Building awareness through campaigns like Poshan Maah 2025
• Encouraging community participation for long-term behavioural change

This initiative has transformed the way India addresses health and nutrition by emphasising prevention, awareness, and collaboration.

Objectives of POSHAN Abhiyaan Scheme

The POSHAN Abhiyaan is not merely a health objective but an initiative to change cultural and behavioural aspects in the long term, which relates to nutrition. These objectives act as guiding pillars for various stakeholders, from policymakers to families, ensuring that children and mothers receive continuous care. By focusing on measurable outcomes, awareness, and convergence, the scheme paves the way for sustainable impact across communities.

Improving Nutritional Outcomes

The scheme aims to reduce stunting, underweight, and anaemia through targeted interventions.

• Promote balanced diets for mothers and children
• Strengthen health and nutrition services at Anganwadi centres
• Monitor growth regularly using digital tools

Learn how the anganwadi feeding programme nourishes young lives:

How the Anganwadi Feeding Programme Supports Child Nutrition

Behavioural Change at the Community Level

One of the unique aspects of the initiative is its emphasis on education and awareness

• Village and community events during Nutrition Month
• Engagement of families to adopt better nutrition practices
• Training frontline workers for improved service delivery

Convergence of Government Programmes

The scheme integrates multiple ministries and departments, ensuring holistic support for child nutrition.

• Health, education, sanitation, and women’s welfare sectors working together
• Enhanced monitoring through technology platforms
• Collaboration with communities for practical implementation

Key Components of POSHAN Abhiyaan Scheme

The scheme is built on strong pillars that make its implementation impactful and measurable. These components not only guide how the programme reaches families but also ensure that the interventions remain practical and sustainable. By combining technology, community efforts, training, and early childhood focus, the scheme brings together all aspects of nutrition in a structured manner.

Technology-Driven Monitoring

The scheme utilises digital platforms to track the health and nutrition levels of children and mothers.

• Use of mobile apps for Anganwadi workers
• Growth monitoring devices at community centres
• Real-time dashboards for transparency and accountability

Community-Based Events

The 8th Rashtriya Poshan Maah, which falls between 12th September and 11th October 2025, focuses on the theme: Right Nutrition, Healthy Life.

• Nutrition-related games and activities
• Sessions on diet diversity and kitchen gardens
• Awareness campaigns on breastfeeding and child care

Capacity Building

Training and equipping frontline workers, such as Anganwadi staff, ensures effective implementation.

• Structured training programmes
• Easy-to-use digital tools
• Supportive supervision and mentoring

Focus on First 1,000 Days

The initial 1,000 days of a child’s life are crucial for physical, cognitive, and emotional development.

• Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months
• Complementary feeding practices from six months onwards
• Regular monitoring and immunisation

The Role of Nutrition Month and Poshan Maah 2025

Awareness campaigns form the heart of the POSHAN Abhiyaan scheme, and Nutrition Month or better known as Poshan Maah, provides a vibrant platform for community participation. These observances encourage schools, families, and local communities to actively engage with nutrition-focused activities. They also ensure that knowledge about balanced diets and healthy practices becomes part of daily routines, making nutrition a shared responsibility.

Month of Nutrition or Poshan Maah

Every year, Nutrition Month creates awareness about the importance of proper diets and practices. As part of the larger mission, Poshan Maah 2025 will see nationwide participation.

• Special community events with community kitchens and recipe demonstrations
• Awareness sessions in schools and villages, and promotion of healthy food habits
• Focused campaigns on balanced meals, even at school-level competitions

Building a Culture of Nutrition

These celebrations help integrate nutritional values into everyday life.

• Empowering mothers to make healthier choices
• Encouraging families to adopt home-grown food practices
• Inspiring children to value healthy diets

Importance of Child Nutrition in India’s Future

Nutrition is one of the strongest drivers of human development, particularly during childhood. Ensuring that children have access to balanced diets and healthy practices lays the groundwork for lifelong growth and success. The following sections highlight how strong nutrition directly influences individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole.

Building Strong Foundations

Proper nutrition ensures physical and cognitive growth in children.

• Enhanced learning abilities
• Reduced risk of diseases
• Improved physical development

Breaking the Cycle of Poor Health

Well-nourished children grow into healthier adults, shaping stronger communities.

• Increased productivity and opportunities
• Better school attendance and performance
• Long-term health benefits for future generations

National Progress through Nutrition

A healthier population leads to inclusive growth for the nation.

• Higher economic productivity
• Lower healthcare costs
• Stronger, healthier workforce

The Role of Organisations in Supporting POSHAN Abhiyaan

Bal Raksha Bharat aligns with government-led initiatives like the POSHAN Abhiyaan scheme to amplify their impact.

Community Engagement

Community engagement plays a central role in ensuring that the message of good nutrition reaches every family. This involves spreading awareness through local campaigns that encourage open dialogue and participation. Families are inspired to adopt sustainable food practices, while mothers receive knowledge and resources that empower them to make healthier choices for their children.

School-Based Programmes

Schools are a powerful platform to promote the values of proper nutrition. Through dedicated nutrition education, children gain essential knowledge about balanced diets and healthy habits. Workshops and interactive sessions make the learning process engaging, while collaborations with programmes such as mid-day meals ensure that nutritious food reaches children regularly.

Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is vital in embedding nutrition practices into everyday life. The promotion of kitchen gardens allows families to grow fresh produce at home, while traditional and locally sourced foods are encouraged to preserve cultural diets and ensure affordability. Eco-friendly nutrition initiatives further support communities by creating healthier environments for children and their families.

Read about our NGO programs in India’s health and nutrition sector

Conclusion

The POSHAN Abhiyaan scheme represents India’s commitment to building a healthier and stronger future by placing nutrition at the centre of growth. Initiatives like Poshan Maah 2025 are not only spreading awareness but also shaping a culture of health across generations. With collaborative efforts by Bal Raksha Bharat and the government, the path towards improved child nutrition is brighter than ever. A healthier child today ensures a stronger nation tomorrow.

FAQs

1. What is the main objective of the POSHAN Abhiyaan?

   The primary objective of the scheme is to improve nutritional outcomes for children, adolescents, and mothers. It focuses on reducing stunting, underweight, and anaemia through awareness, technology-driven monitoring, and community engagement.

2. What is Poshan Maah 2025, and why is it important?

   Poshan Maah is a nationwide campaign under the scheme that aims to spread awareness about healthy diets and nutrition practices. It brings communities together through activities such as recipe demonstrations, school competitions, and awareness sessions, making nutrition an everyday priority.

3. How does Nutrition Month contribute to child nutrition?

   It highlights the importance of balanced diets and healthy practices for children and mothers. It organises village-level events, school activities, and awareness drives that empower families with knowledge to adopt healthier food habits.

4. How can families support the goals of POSHAN Abhiyaan?

   Families can contribute by adopting healthy eating practices at home, encouraging children to consume a variety of nutritious foods, and participating in local activities during Poshan Maah 2025. Small lifestyle changes at the household level can collectively create a larger impact on national nutrition goals.

Naveen Kumar

“Naveen is an SEO expert and digital marketing analyst at Bal Raksha Bharat with a passion for helping businesses grow online. With a data-driven approach, he specializes in boosting search rankings, driving traffic, and optimizing digital strategies. Follow for tips on SEO, content, and marketing trends."