LEH: In alignment with the national observance of Poshan Maah in September, the Union Territory administration in Ladakh successfully hosted the Ladakh Poshan Mela with the theme "Sahi Poshan, Ladakh Roshan."

Poshan Maah aims to combat malnutrition as part of the Government of India's Poshan Abhiyan, focusing on creating a "Suposhit Bharat, Sakshar Bharat, Sashakt Bharat" (Nutrition-rich India, Educated India, Empowered India).

Lt Governor of Ladakh, Brig (Dr) BD Mishra (retired), praised Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) for their dedicated efforts in caring for children's nutritional needs at the Eco Park in Leh.

Commissioner Secretary Social and Tribal Welfare, UT Ladakh, Padma Angmo lauded the Department's initiative and emphasized their commitment to addressing challenges such as the honorarium of Anganwadi Workers and infrastructural requirements.

The department is actively constructing new centers and recently completed two winter-friendly centers to serve as models.

The mela featured stalls from various ICDS projects and Anganwadi centers, showcasing schemes like the Integrated Child Development Programme, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Scheme for Adolescent Girls, and Mission Poshan 2.0 for supplementary nutrition.

Visitors had the opportunity to explore a model Anganwadi Centre and a prototype for the nomadic region of Changthang. The event also offered a variety of nutrition-rich foods made from locally sourced ingredients, receiving praise from attendees.

Director of the Social and Tribal Welfare Department, Tashi Dolma, highlighted that addressing malnutrition across all life stages is central to Mission Poshan 2.0. Poshan Maah focused on creating awareness around crucial stages like pregnancy, infancy, childhood, and adolescence.

Tashi Dolma noted that the State Nodal officer for the Poshan Tracker app has been instrumental in training workers to regularly update their activities on the Poshan Abhiyan Portal.

Ladakh boasts over 1145 functional Anganwadi centers, benefiting 18,354 individuals.

During the event, ICDS Project supervisors received laptops, Anganwadi Workers and Anganwadi Helpers were equipped with smart phones, and monthly incentives of Rs 500 were awarded based on performance.

The event witnessed the presence of Deputy Chairman, LAHDC Leh, Tsering Angchuk; Councillors/members of Block Development Councils (BDCs)/PRIs; Anganwadi Workers, Child Development Protection Officers (CDPOs); Head of Departments, and other District officials.