The newly released official data by the national Poshan Tracker system, around 34% of children under 5 years of age in India are stunted. These findings are based on growth measurements of more than 6.44 crore children who continue to be enrolled in Anganwadi centres across the country. The report draws attention to 33.54% of children being stunted, 14.41% being underweight, and 5.03% being wasted, indicating continued challenges in child nutrition. Although there has been a slight improvement compared to previous assessments, the high rate of stunting remains a serious concern, as it impacts physical development, learning ability, and long-term health outcomes.
Poshan Tracker Data Highlights Severe Child Malnutrition: 34% Stunted
-
Latest Poshan Tracker data shows 34% of children under five are stunted, which is a manifestation of chronic malnutrition.
-
Such children measured across Anganwadi centres across the country, the following: (6.44 crores)
-
Multiple nutrition challenges are indicated, as 14.41% are underweight and 5.03% are wasted.
-
Of these, "long-term growth, learning ability and overall health are affected."
-
Data indicate that the need to strengthen nutrition programmes as well as early childhood care is an urgent necessity.
-
Government interventions are helping to improve the coverage, but malnutrition remains a major concern.
Important Questions About Malnutrition and Nutrition (PYQs)
| Exam Name / Year | Question | Options | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSC CGL 2023 | What is the primary indicator used to measure child malnutrition in India? | A) BMI B) Stunting C) Blood Pressure D) Vision Index |
B | Stunting indicates chronic malnutrition based on height-for-age. |
| RRB NTPC 2022 | Wasting represents which condition in children? | A) Lack of height B) Acute malnutrition C) Lack of blood D) Excess protein |
B | Wasting reflects acute or sudden malnutrition (low weight-for-height). |
| SSC GD 2024 | What is the main objective of the POSHAN Abhiyaan? | A) Increase food subsidy B) Reduce malnutrition C) Double farmers' income D) Disease control |
B | POSHAN Abhiyaan aims to reduce malnutrition nationwide through multi-sectoral interventions. |
| RRB Group D 2023 | Underweight is determined using which ratio? | A) Height-for-age B) Weight-for-age C) Weight-for-height D) BMI-height |
B | Underweight relates to weight compared to the child’s age (weight-for-age). |
| SSC CPO 2022 | Which system is mainly used to track malnutrition data in India? | A) Swachh Dashboard B) Poshan Tracker C) DigiHealth App D) Ayush Portal |
B | The government tracks nutrition data through the Poshan Tracker system (Anganwadi records). |
Expected Question for Poshan Abhiyan
Which ministry is responsible for implementing POSHAN Abhiyaan?
A) Ministry of Health
B) Ministry of Education
C) Ministry of Women and Child Development
D) Ministry of Rural Development
Answer: C
Description: The Ministry of Women & Child Development oversees all POSHAN-related initiatives.
POSHAN Maah is observed every year in which month?
A) March
B) September
C) June
D) January
Answer: B
Description: September is celebrated as POSHAN Maah to spread awareness on nutrition.
POSHAN Abhiyaan sets a target to reduce stunting in children to what percentage by 2025?
A) 10%
B) 21%
C) 25%
D) 30%
Answer: B
Description: The mission aims to bring stunting down to 21% by strengthening nutrition services.
POSHAN Abhiyaan promotes community-based events known as:
A) Food Mela
B) Village Health Sanitation Day
C) Annaprashan Diwas
D) Nutri-Day
Answer: C
Description: Annaprashan Diwas encourages early nutrition practices in infants.
Under POSHAN Abhiyaan, which groups are the main target beneficiaries?
A) Senior citizens
B) Farmers
C) Children, pregnant women, lactating mothers
D) Adolescents only
Answer: C
Description: These groups are prioritised because they are vulnerable to malnutrition.
Conclusion
The 34% of under-five children are stunted is a major national challenge, which demands urgent attention. While progress has been made, the extent of chronic undernutrition is threatening long-term health, the ability to learn and to produce. Strengthening the nutrition programmes, taking care of the mothers better and providing timely intervention is needed to protect the future of the nation.
