The Ministry of Women and Child Development has launched Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2026, a month-long nationwide nutrition campaign that runs from 9 September to 8 October. The initiative, formally called the 9th Rashtriya Poshan Maah, focuses on dietary variety, protein intake and ensuring children and pregnant women receive fresh cooked meals through Anganwadi Centres. The campaign affects millions of families relying on these grassroots nutrition services across India.
Campaign Details and Scale
The ministry reports that over 14 lakh Anganwadi Centres currently serve nutrition, health and early childhood care to more than 7.5 crore children, 1.10 crore pregnant and lactating women, and nearly 16 lakh adolescent girls.
Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2026 will emphasise four key areas during its month-long run:
- Dietary diversity and adequate protein intake
- Fresh hot cooked meals at Anganwadi Centres
- Community ownership through Anganwadi Management Committees and nutrition programme menu boards
- Nutrition and early development support for young children
The campaign also marks ten years of the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), which has transferred over ₹21,000 crore through direct bank transfers to more than 4.65 crore mothers nationwide since its launch.
The ministry notes that Anganwadi Centres are being upgraded as part of Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0. Around 2 lakh centres are being transformed into what the government calls Saksham Anganwadis, with approximately 24,000 approved in Uttar Pradesh alone. Workers at these centres have been provided smartphones to enable real-time data entry and better monitoring.
What this means for you
If your family uses Anganwadi services, expect increased focus on varied and protein-rich diets, along with regular hot meals for eligible children and mothers. The campaign encourages community members to participate actively in local nutrition committees and help monitor meal quality and diversity. For those receiving cash assistance under PMMVY, the scheme continues to provide direct bank transfers to support maternal nutrition and health. The broader goal is to strengthen how nutrition services reach the poorest families through your local Anganwadi Centre.