Punjab launches 7th POSHAN Pakhwada to boost nutrition

Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur is to announce the observance of the 7th POSHAN Pakhwada from April 8 to April 22, 2025, in line with the nationwide initiative to improve nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women and lactating mothers.

Sharing the details, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the fortnight-long campaign will be observed across the state through a series of activities focused on nutrition awareness, community participation, and sustainable practices.

She informed that this year’s POSHAN Pakhwada will have a special focus on improving nutrition during the First 1,000 Days of Life, which is the most critical window for a child’s growth and development. The campaign will also emphasize the popularization of the Beneficiary Module in the POSHAN Tracker to strengthen digital monitoring and delivery of nutrition services, along with the management of malnutrition through the CMAM Module, which supports community-based treatment and care for malnourished children.

In addition, special emphasis will be laid on promoting healthy lifestyles to combat childhood obesity by encouraging balanced diets, physical activity, and healthy habits among children. The fortnight will also include large-scale outreach and sensitization efforts to eliminate malnutrition through public awareness and active community engagement. She added that focused efforts will also be made for diarrhoea management and anaemia eradication through preventive care and early intervention.

Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the government, led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to the all-round development of women and children. In view of this, the state government is continuously making efforts for their welfare.

Dr. Baljit Kaur further appealed to all stakeholders—Anganwadi Workers, Health Workers, Panchayati Raj Institutions, and local communities—to actively participate in the campaign and ensure its success.

The Minister appealed to everyone to unite in building a Malnutrition-Free Punjab and to ensure a healthier future for our children and mothers.