Govt will double outreach by spreading message on optimum nutrition during Poshan Maah: Irani

The government will double its outreach during 'Poshan Maah' next month by taking the message of importance of optimum nutrition to every household, Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani said on Friday.

'Poshan Maah' or nutrition month, launched by the government last year, is celebrated across the country in September.

Speaking at a ceremony to facilitate anganwadi workers for their contribution, Irani said there are five aspects of nutrition - first 1,000 days in the life of a child, fight against anaemia and diarrhea, personal hygiene and knowledge of what is nutritious.

"The government will double its outreach during Poshan month by taking the message of importance of these five aspects of nutrition to every household," she said.

Irani facilitated more than 300 awardees that included, states, districts, blocks, anganwadi workers and helpers and distributed Rs 22 crore among them.

Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh were among the states to be facilitated at the ceremony.

On the occasion of Janmashtami, Irani drew an analogy between Yashoda and anganwadi workers, and Kans and "evil" of malnutrition. She said she hopes anganwadi workers would beat malnutrition in the same way Yashoda defeated Kans.

Irani said it is a common misconception that malnutrition is a problem of both rural and poor population.

"Malnutrition is prevalent not only in rural and poor areas but also in urban areas of India and there is a need to spread awareness on what is healthy and nutritious food," she said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message was also read at the occasion where he said the government firmly remains committed to provide affordable and quality healthcare to poor, needy and smallest sections of the society.

"Health and nutrition are the priority areas of our government. Health remains one of the key areas in our quest of building an inclusive and new India. An integral part of our vision is achieving 'kuposhan mukt bharat' (malnutrition-free India) by 2022," the message read.

"Digital technology, convergence and targeted approach are to be optimally utilised to reduce malnutrition. This one-of-a-kind initiative is an endeavour to fight malnutrition through multiple interventions. We remain firmly committed to provide affordable and quality healthcare to poor, needy and smallest sections of the society," it said.

The emphasis on health and nutrition will surely make a lasting contribution in furthering healthcare to every nook and corner of the country. However, such schemes can succeed only through a lasting community participation, the message read.

The initiative to present incentive awards for Poshan is an acknowledgement and appreciation of the efforts of workforce at grassroots level such as anganwadi workers and helpers, auxillary workers and nurses, among others, it added.