9th Rashtriya Poshan Maah Launched with focus on strengthening Anganwadi Services.

9th Rashtriya Poshan Maah Launched with focus on strengthening Anganwadi Services.
Leh, September 09, 2026: The Department of Social and Tribal Welfare today launched the 9th Rashtriya Poshan Maah under the theme “Hamari Anganwadi, Hamari Jimmedari” at the ICDS Centre, Council Model School, Ibex Colony, Leh. The month-long campaign will run from September 09 to October 08, 2026, focusing on nutrition, maternal and child health, early childhood care and development, and the importance of community participation in strengthening Anganwadi services.
The programme was graced by Director, Social and Tribal Welfare, Zahida Bano; District Programme Officer, Rigzin Spalgon; Child Development Project Officer (CDPO), Leh, Zarina Bano; Principal, Council Model School; members of the Village Education Committee (VEC); and supervisors and Anganwadi Workers.
Addressing the gathering, CDPO Leh, Zarina Bano, highlighted the significance of Rashtriya Poshan Maah and emphasised the importance of early childhood care and education in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy. She said quality pre-school education, proper nutrition, health education, and holistic early childhood development are essential to lay a strong foundation for children’s future growth and learning.
She also stressed the importance of ensuring dietary diversity and adequate protein intake among children, particularly during the early years, to support their physical and cognitive development. She called upon Anganwadi Workers and parents to promote healthy dietary practices and ensure that children receive nutritious and balanced meals.
District Programme Officer, Leh, Rigzin Spalgon, highlighted the significance of Rashtriya Poshan Maah as an important initiative to strengthen awareness about nutrition, maternal and child health, and early childhood development. He emphasised the need for greater community participation in promoting nutritional awareness and ensuring the holistic development of children.
He further stressed the importance of convergence between Anganwadi Centres and schools, stating that such an approach can facilitate a smooth transition of children from pre-school education to primary schooling while ensuring continued attention to their nutritional, health and developmental needs.
He also highlighted the evolution and significance of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme, which was launched in the 1970s with the objective of providing comprehensive services related to nutrition, health and early childhood development to children and mothers. He underscored the continued importance of Anganwadi Centres in delivering these services at the grassroots level.
The programme also focused on creating greater awareness among parents, Anganwadi Workers and the community about nutrition, child health, early childhood education and the importance of community participation in strengthening Anganwadi services.
Thanks & Regards,
Department of Information & Public Relations,
UT Ladakh