Odisha Marks 8th Poshan Maah with Statewide Nutrition Drive

Bhubaneswar: Odisha celebrated the 8th National Poshan Maah 2025 with a vibrant state-level event at Lok Seva Bhavan, reinforcing its commitment to nutrition and healthy living.

Hosted by the Department of Women and Child Development, the campaign has evolved into a mass movement under Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi’s leadership.

Principal Secretary Smt. Shubha Sharma lauded the month-long initiative, which saw over 54.81 lakh awareness activities across Anganwadi centres, ICDS sectors, districts, and state platforms. The campaign focused on reducing sugar and oil intake, promoting early childhood care, encouraging newborn feeding practices, and increasing male participation.

Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Pravati Parida spearheaded digital empowerment efforts, introducing APAAR IDs for educational records and ABHA IDs for health data. She urged Anganwadi workers to share their stories through short videos to amplify grassroots impact.

Departmental Director Monisha Banerjee emphasised lifestyle changes, advocating daily exercise, yoga, and nutritious diets.

Additional Secretary Madhumita Rath highlighted the PM Poshan scheme’s role in providing mid-day meals from pre-primary to Class 10.

The Jan Andolan Dashboard recognised Puri, Bhadrak, and Kendrapara as top-performing districts.

Senior officials from multiple departments, including Health, Agriculture, and Higher Education, attended the event, showcasing inter-departmental collaboration.