Is it True That 34% of Children Under 5 Are Stunted and 15% Underweight?
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Synopsis
Recent data reveals alarming statistics regarding child malnutrition in India, with 34% stunted and 15% underweight children under five. This report highlights the government's efforts through the Poshan Tracker and various initiatives aimed at improving nutrition and health outcomes for the youngest population.
Key Takeaways
- 34% of children under 5 are stunted.
- 15% are underweight.
- Data from the Poshan Tracker shows improvements in malnutrition indicators.
- The National Family Health Survey-5 indicates a significant issue with child malnutrition.
- Programs like Mission Poshan 2.0 aim to address these challenges.
New Delhi, Dec 3 (NationPress) Approximately 34 percent of children under the age of 5 are experiencing stunting, and 15 percent are classified as underweight, according to information provided by the government to Parliament, referencing its 'Poshan Tracker' data.
In a written statement in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur highlighted noteworthy advancements in the indicators of malnutrition among children nationwide.
As of October, over 6.44 crore children aged 0 to 5 years, who are registered in Anganwadis, have been assessed based on their growth metrics, including height and weight.
According to the data derived from the Poshan Tracker, 33.54 percent of children were identified as stunted and 14.41 percent as underweight, with an additional 5.03 percent classified as wasted.
Thakur further noted that the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21) reported that stunting in children under 5 was 35.5 percent, while the underweight population stood at 32.1 percent and 19.3 percent suffered from wasting.
A 2021 survey by the World Bank, conducted in 11 priority states (Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh) which have the highest rates of anaemia and stunting was also shared by Thakur.
The results indicated that services provided through the Poshan Abhiyaan—including the delivery of relevant messages, home visits by anganwadi workers, and participation in community events—were linked to enhanced nutritional practices.
It was also found that over 80 percent of women received the programme's nutrition messages, and 81 percent practiced exclusive breastfeeding for the initial six months.
Under the 15th Finance Commission, various initiatives such as Anganwadi services, Poshan Abhiyaan, and the Scheme for Adolescent Girls (ages 14-18 in Aspirational Districts and the Northeastern region) have been integrated under the umbrella of Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 to tackle the issue of malnutrition.
The 'Poshan Tracker' app was launched in March 2021 as a crucial governance instrument. It enables the monitoring and tracking of all Anganwadi Centers (AWCs), Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), and beneficiaries based on specified indicators.
Technology utilized in the Poshan Tracker is being employed for the timely identification of stunting, wasting, and underweight prevalence among children.
Point of View
It’s crucial to acknowledge the alarming statistics regarding child malnutrition in India. The government's initiatives through the Poshan Tracker signify a positive step towards tackling these issues, yet the numbers remind us that there is much more to be done. Continuous awareness and effective implementation of nutritional programs are essential for a healthier future for our children.
NationPress
03/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of children under 5 are stunted in India?
Approximately 34% of children under the age of 5 are stunted, according to the latest government data.
What efforts are being made to address child malnutrition?
The government has launched various initiatives, including the Poshan Tracker and Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, to combat malnutrition among children.
What is the Poshan Tracker?
The Poshan Tracker is an application developed to monitor and track the health and nutritional status of children enrolled in Anganwadis.
