Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, also called Mission Poshan 2.0, is the Government’s umbrella nutrition mission for children, pregnant women, lactating mothers and eligible adolescent girls in Aspirational Districts and the North-Eastern region. It brings together Anganwadi Services, Poshan Abhiyaan and the Scheme for Adolescent Girls under one framework to address malnutrition through a community-based and technology-enabled approach.
Mission Framework and Beneficiaries
Mission Poshan 2.0 is a Centrally Sponsored Mission implemented by States and Union Territories. It is a universal self-selecting scheme for:
- Children below six years.
- Pregnant women.
- Lactating mothers up to six months after childbirth.
- Adolescent girls aged 14 to 18 years in Aspirational Districts and North-Eastern States.
The mission aims to build human capital, reduce malnutrition and promote nutrition awareness for better health and wellbeing.
Nutrition Support and Revised Norms
Supplementary nutrition is provided under the National Food Security Act, 2013. The norms were revised in January 2023 to make them more balanced and diet-diverse. The revised package gives greater emphasis to:
- Quality protein.
- Healthy fats.
- Micronutrients such as iron, zinc, calcium, folate and vitamins.
Extra nutrition is provided to severely acutely malnourished children. Fortified rice is supplied to Anganwadi Centres to help address micronutrient deficiency and anaemia. Millets are also promoted for hot cooked meals and take-home ration.
Community Action and Child Health Protocols
The mission uses community engagement, behavioural change and advocacy to improve maternal nutrition, infant and young child feeding, and treatment of severe and moderate acute malnutrition. A joint protocol on management of malnutrition in children supports early screening of children aged 6 months to 6 years. Medically complicated cases are referred to Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres or hospitals. Poshan Vatikas or nutri-gardens are being developed to improve access to fruits, vegetables and medicinal plants.
Monitoring, Outcomes and Evaluation
The Poshan Tracker application is used to monitor Anganwadi Centres, workers and beneficiaries in near real time. It tracks attendance, growth monitoring, supplementary nutrition and early childhood care. Data indicates improvement in underweight, stunting and wasting indicators. Behaviour change efforts are reinforced through Poshan Maah, Poshan Pakhwada and monthly Community Based Events. Independent assessments have found the programme relevant for tackling malnutrition and improving nutrition practices.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026