Maharashtra Chief Minister Mr. Devendra Fadnavis has directed the Health and Women & Child Development departments to jointly formulate a ‘First 1,000 Days Mission’ for the holistic development of children, covering the period from pregnancy to a child’s second birthday. The mission will focus on maternal anaemia, child nutrition, breastfeeding, immunisation and healthcare, with special attention to tribal and urban areas.

 

Mr. Fadnavis directed that a separate mission secretariat and a data-driven monitoring system be established to track progress. He stressed that departments should work together with the mother and child at the centre rather than pursuing separate departmental targets. Local conditions, food habits and traditional practices should also be considered instead of following a one-size-fits-all approach.