Question : Malnutrition among Women-Girls and Children

(a) whether the malnutrition among women/girls including pregnant and lactating mothers and children has increased across the country in recent years and is highest in the world, if so, the details thereof indicating the outcome of surveys/reports made in this regard, State/UT-wise and the reasons therefor;
(b) the number of deaths from malnutrition reported in the country during the said period, State/UT-wise indicating the study, if any, conducted by the Government/NCPCR thereon;
(c) whether the schemes launched by the Government for eradication of malnutrition have achieved the desired results during the said period and if so, the details thereof, scheme-wise and if not, the reasons therefor;
(d) whether the Government has provided adequate funds under the schemes to combat malnutrition during the said period, if so, the details thereof, scheme and State/UT-wise and if not, the reasons therefor;
(e) whether the cases of irregularities/corruption under the said schemes have been reported during the said period and if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise along with the action taken thereon; and
(f) the other steps taken by the Government to make the country malnutrition free?

MINISTER OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
(SHRIMATI MANEKA SANJAY GANDHI)


(a) As per “The State of the World‘s Children 2016” Report published by United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF), India ranks 10th in terms of underweight prevalence and 17th in terms of stunting prevalence in the world.

(b) The data regarding number of deaths from malnutrition is not maintained by this Ministry. However, malnutrition is a multi-faceted problem and is not a direct cause of death but contributes to mortality and morbidity by reducing resistance to infections. However, as per the information received from NCPCR, 14 complaints relating to deaths of children due malnutrition have been received by NCPCR during the last three years and the current year. The State/UT-wise details are at Annexure-I.

(c) National Family Health Surveys conducted periodically assess the nutritional status of the population over a period of time which is an outcome of the impact of all the schemes of the Government intended to bring about improvement in the nutritional status. The latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4), 2015-16 shows a decline in the prevalence of malnutrition in the country as compared to NFHS-3 data, which is an outcome of the various schemes implemented by the Government towards this goal.

(d) Adequate funds have been provided under the schemes to combat malnutrition implemented by this Ministry ,i.e.,Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme, Scheme for Adolescent Girls and Maternity Benefit Programme. The State/UT-wise details of funds under the schemes is Annexure-II, III and IV.
(e) During the last three years and the current year, a total of 25 cases of irregularities/corruption have been reported in the ICDS scheme, which have been forwarded to respective State/UT to take further necessary action. The State/UT-wise details are at Annexure-V. No cases of irregularities/corruption have been reported under the Scheme for Adolescent Girls and Maternity Benefit Programme.
(f) In addition to the aforesaid nutrition-centric schemes, the Food and Nutrition Board of the Ministry, through its regional field units, is engaged in conducting training programmes in nutrition, advocacy towards generating awareness through nutrition education programmes on the importance of healthy balanced diets through the use of locally available foods, and mass awareness campaigns.

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