Relevance: GS II (Governance, Social Justice, Health & Education) | Source: PIB

1. The Background: Why a new mission?

• In the past, India’s nutrition schemes were scattered across different departments. To fix this, the government changed its approach. Instead of treating nutrition as just a “welfare scheme” to feed the poor, it is now treated as a way to build India’s Human Capital (early brain growth and health).
• The Unified Umbrella: The government launched Mission Poshan 2.0 (Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0) by combining older schemes (like standard Anganwadi Services and the Scheme for Adolescent Girls) into one powerful, technology-driven mission.

2. The Three Main Pillars of Action

A. Better Nutrition Support (Beyond just calories)

• Diet Diversity: The focus is no longer just on giving enough food to fill stomachs. The food must provide real nutrition—quality protein, healthy fats, and vitamins.
• Poshan Vatikas (Nutri-Gardens): The administration is setting up local gardens in Anganwadis and village schools to grow fresh vegetables, fruits, and medicinal plants for the children.
• The “First 1,000 Days”: The mission gives the highest priority to the critical time window from a mother’s pregnancy to the child’s second birthday.

B. Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)

• This pillar connects the mission directly to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi (Nutrition along with Education): A massive training drive to teach Anganwadi workers how to properly educate pre-school children using play materials and toys.
• Vidyarambh Certificate: A formal certificate is now given to children when they complete Anganwadi pre-school. This ensures a smooth transition and direct admission into Class 1 of formal primary schools.

C. Modernizing the Centers (Saksham Upgradation)

• The government is upgrading traditional, basic Anganwadis into “Saksham Anganwadis.” Over 2 lakh centers are getting modern facilities like LED screens, clean water purifiers, and smart learning tools.

3. E-Governance: The Use of Technology

• Mission Poshan 2.0 uses high-end technology to stop leakages and corruption.
• Poshan Tracker App: A centralized digital system that tracks the daily attendance, health, and weight of over 9 crore beneficiaries across 14 lakh Anganwadis in real-time.
• Aadhaar & FRS: The system strictly uses Aadhaar cards and a Facial Recognition System (FRS) to verify identities. This eliminates fake or “ghost” entries, ensuring the food reaches the actual targeted citizens.

4. Jan Andolan (People’s Movement)

• The administration runs massive behavioral change campaigns involving the local community to promote hygiene and healthy diets:
• Poshan Pakhwada (April): A 15-day campaign. The current focus is on maximizing brain development in a child’s first six years.
• Rashtriya Poshan Maah (September): A month-long annual campaign focusing on maternal health, eating diverse local foods, and fighting childhood obesity.

UPSC Value Box

MCQ

Q. With reference to Mission Poshan 2.0 (Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0), consider the following statements:

1. The mission exclusively targets the nutritional needs of pregnant women and completely excludes adolescent girls from its ambit.
2. The nutritional standards provided under the mission are legally mandated by the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.
3. The Ministry of Women and Child Development is the nodal ministry responsible for the implementation of the mission.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 2 and 3 only
• (c) 1 and 3 only
• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (b)