Despite government initiatives to eradicate malnutrition, the situation in Uttarakhand remains concerning. According to the Economic Survey 2024-25, the number of severely malnourished children in the state has increased 2.5 times over the past four years. The figure has risen from 1,129 in 2020-21 to 2,983 in 2024-25.
Government Schemes Fail to Curb Malnutrition
The Women and Child Development Department provides take-home rations and nutritional supplements through Anganwadi centers, while the Health Department conducts child health screenings under the National Health Mission (NHM). However, the rising malnutrition numbers cast doubt on the effectiveness of these initiatives./
Adverse Impact on Physical and Mental Development
Experts emphasize that a lack of essential nutrients in a child’s diet can severely hinder physical and cognitive development. Despite continuous efforts and substantial financial investments, the anticipated improvement in children’s nutritional status remains elusive.
