<h4>Introduction to Rashtriya Poshan Maah</h4><p>The <strong>Rashtriya Poshan Maah</strong> (National Nutrition Month) is an important annual campaign in India. It is specifically designed to tackle the pervasive issue of <strong>malnutrition</strong> and to champion improved <strong>nutrition and health practices</strong> across the nation.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Celebration Period:</strong> The campaign is observed every year during the month of <strong>September</strong>.</p><p><strong>Parent Scheme:</strong> It operates under the umbrella of the <strong>POSHAN Abhiyaan</strong>, which stands for the Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment.</p></div><h4>Objectives and Vision</h4><p>The primary goal of <strong>Rashtriya Poshan Maah</strong> is to significantly enhance public awareness regarding nutrition. It aims to foster better dietary habits and effectively combat malnutrition among the most vulnerable segments of the population.</p><p>This initiative is strategically aligned with the national aspiration of achieving a <strong>'Suposhit Bharat'</strong>, signifying a well-nourished India. It emphasizes a holistic approach to public health.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p><strong>Vulnerable Groups Targeted:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Children</strong></li><li><strong>Adolescents</strong></li><li><strong>Pregnant women</strong></li><li><strong>Lactating mothers</strong></li></ul></div><h4>Key Activities and Initiatives</h4><p>A diverse range of activities are organized nationwide during <strong>Rashtriya Poshan Maah</strong> to achieve its objectives. These activities ensure broad community participation and widespread impact.</p><ul><li><strong>Plantation drives:</strong> Promoting environmental health alongside nutritional well-being.</li><li><strong>Distribution of nutritional supplements:</strong> Providing essential nutrients to those in need.</li><li><strong>Community outreach programs:</strong> Engaging directly with communities to disseminate information.</li><li><strong>Exhibitions:</strong> Showcasing nutritional information and healthy food options.</li><li><strong>Educational sessions:</strong> Informing the public about balanced diets and healthy lifestyles.</li></ul><div class='exam-tip-box'><p><strong>UPSC Insight:</strong> Understanding the specific activities helps in illustrating policy implementation. For instance, the <strong>“Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”</strong> drive connects environmental sustainability with maternal health, a good point for <strong>GS-III</strong> or <strong>Essay</strong>.</p></div><h4>Themes of Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2024</h4><p>Each year, the campaign adopts specific themes to focus its efforts and messaging. The <strong>Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2024</strong> introduced several critical themes to address key nutritional challenges.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Key Themes for 2024:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Anemia:</strong> Focusing on prevention and treatment.</li><li><strong>Growth Monitoring:</strong> Ensuring healthy development in children.</li><li><strong>Complementary Feeding:</strong> Promoting appropriate feeding practices for infants.</li><li><strong>Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi:</strong> Linking nutrition with education.</li><li><strong>Technology for Better Governance:</strong> Leveraging tech for efficient program delivery.</li><li><strong>Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam:</strong> A nationwide plantation drive dedicated to mothers.</li></ul></div><h4>Understanding POSHAN Abhiyaan</h4><p>The <strong>POSHAN Abhiyaan</strong>, also known as the <strong>National Nutrition Mission</strong>, serves as the foundational scheme for <strong>Rashtriya Poshan Maah</strong>. It represents the Government of India's flagship program to improve nutritional outcomes across the country.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Launch Date:</strong> The <strong>POSHAN Abhiyaan</strong> was officially launched in <strong>March 2018</strong>.</p><p><strong>Core Objective:</strong> Its primary aim is to systematically address the multifaceted issue of <strong>malnutrition</strong> in India.</p><p><strong>Target Beneficiaries:</strong> The Abhiyaan specifically focuses on the nutritional needs of:</p><ul><li><strong>Adolescent girls</strong></li><li><strong>Pregnant women</strong></li><li><strong>Lactating mothers</strong></li><li><strong>Children up to 6 years old</strong></li></ul></div>