Union Cabinet Secretary, Pradeep Kumar Sinha Friday chaired a video conference with Chief Secretaries to review the implementation of the Poshan Abhiyan (Nutrition Mission), Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and Swachta Bharat Abhiyan.Chief Secretary, J&K, Principal Secretary Health & Medical Education, Secretary, Social Welfare, Secretary School Education, Secretary, Information, Secretary, Information Technology besides other senior officers of the State Government participated in the meeting.As the month of September has been chosen as Poshan Maah (Nutrition Month) across the country, Union Cabinet was briefed about the schedule and activities being undertaken by various Ministries in a coordinated manner to accomplish the target of quickly and progressively reducing incidences of mal-nutrition especially among women and children including stunting, under-nutrition, anemia and low birth weight. Poshan Abhiyan was launched by Prime Minister in March, 2018. The key features of this programme are mobilization of communities across the country and get their participation in addressing various aspects of the nutritional challenges. The Nutrition Month has eight key themes, namely, Antenatal Care, Optimal Breastfeeding, Complementary Feeding, Anemia, Growth Monitoring, Education; diet and right age of marriage for girls, Hygiene and Sanitation and Food fortification.
On 11th of September, 2018, Prime Minister under ‘Direct Samvaad’ will hold interaction with the frontline workers across the country including those from J&K, who will be sharing their experiences and success stories with him about the Poshan Abhiyan.As on date, 18000 activities have been carried out across the country with participation of more than 1.22 crore people. Union Cabinet Secretary stressed the need to maintain thrust across all the eight themes throughout the month of September.The Union Cabinet Secretary reviewed the preparation of the States in regard to launch of ‘Swachta Hi Seva’ programme by the Prime Minister on 15th of September, 2018 to re-energize the Swachh Bharat Jan Andolan and further accelerate the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan now in last lap. During the fortnight i.eSeptember 15- October 2, more than 20 crore people across the country will be mobilized. All States were asked to upload the action plan on ‘Swachta Hi Seva’ portal by 12th of September, 2018. Preparation regarding the launch of ambitious healthcare scheme Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) by Prime Minister on 23rd of September, 2018, was also reviewed.