Jaipur: Rajasthan has achieved the top position in the country during the 8th Poshan Pakhwada by conducting a remarkable 45,37,229 activities across 62,139 anganwadi centres in 41 districts.The state recorded an impressive accomplishment rate of over 112.3%, highlighting its commitment to improving nutrition and health awareness among the community.Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, Friday, congratulated the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) department on this achievement for the second consecutive year.The central theme for this year’s Poshan Pakhwada was ‘Maximising Brain Development in the First Six Years of Life.’Vasudev Malawat, director, ICDS, said, “The state govt aims to lay the foundation for a malnutrition-free Rajasthan and a golden future for its children through public participation; the success of this fortnight-long campaign is set to prove a significant milestone in achieving this goal.”In the state, the fortnight started with activities aimed at raising awareness about maternal and child nutrition. Activities including ‘Poshan Ki Kahani: Dadi-Nani Ki Zubani’ (stories of nutrition passed on by grandmothers) were organised, and special nutrition and health camps were held for pregnant women and children. On the first day, 2.17 lakh activities were organised, in which Rajasthan secured the first rank. The state maintained the position until the conclusion of the Poshan Pakhwada.Further, activities such as nutrition-centric culinary demonstrations, awareness drives against junk food consumption and cooking competitions were organised. At anganwadi centres, beneficiaries were explained about ‘Early Stimulation for Brain Development,’ with activities focused on identifying developmental milestones along with health check-ups, immunisation drives and awareness sessions focused on early childhood care and education (ECCE).As part of the Poshan Pakhwada, awareness sessions for parents on safe screen limits and digital habits were organised at the anganwadi centres, with a focus on the theme: ‘The Role of Parents and the Community in Reducing Screen Time.’
