Malnutrition in India is not merely a public health concern; it is also a challenge of social equity, human development and effective welfare governance. Discuss. (2026, 10 Marks)

Paper	GS Paper 2
Word Limit	150 words
Syllabus Topic	Social Justice – Health, Nutrition and Welfare Governance

Malnutrition in India: Model Answer

Malnutrition in India is a development and governance issue, not only a health one. NFHS-5 (2019–21) shows 35.5 per cent of children under five are stunted. Article 47 makes raising nutrition a duty of the State.

Social Equity

• Malnutrition is higher among poorer households, rural areas and SC/ST communities.
• Women’s anaemia (57 per cent of women aged 15–49, NFHS-5) passes undernutrition to children.

Human Development

• Stunting harms learning and adult earnings.
• The first 1,000 days of life decide lifelong health.

Welfare Governance

• ICDS, POSHAN Abhiyaan, PM POSHAN and the NFSA, 2013 exist, but delivery gaps and poor convergence limit results.

Conclusion

Ending malnutrition needs convergence of health, food, water and education. It is central to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and Viksit Bharat.

Value Addition: Malnutrition Data and Schemes

• NFHS-5 (2019–21), children under five: stunting 35.5 per cent, wasting 19.3 per cent, underweight 32.1 per cent.
• ICDS began in 1975. POSHAN Abhiyaan was launched in 2018 and was later merged into Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0.
• Anaemia Mukt Bharat (2018) targets anaemia among children, adolescents and women.
• The National Food Security Act, 2013 gives legal entitlements to subsidised foodgrains, and nutritional support to pregnant women and children.
• In PUCL v. Union of India (2001), the Supreme Court read the right to food into Article 21 (right to life).
• Malnutrition includes undernutrition (stunting, wasting, underweight), micronutrient deficiency (“hidden hunger”) and overnutrition.
• For official data, see the POSHAN Tracker. Read also our answers on poverty and malnutrition and millets and nutritional security.

Related PYQs

• Poverty and malnutrition create a vicious cycle, adversely affecting human capital formation. What steps can be taken to break the cycle ? (2024)
• Explain the role of millets for ensuring health and nutritional security in India. (2024)

FAQs on Malnutrition in India

What does NFHS-5 say about child stunting?

NFHS-5 (2019–21) reports that 35.5 per cent of children under five are stunted.

Which Article directs the State to improve nutrition?

Article 47 of the Directive Principles directs the State to raise the level of nutrition and public health.

Which schemes fight malnutrition?

ICDS, POSHAN Abhiyaan (Poshan 2.0), PM POSHAN, Anaemia Mukt Bharat and the National Food Security Act.

Which GS paper covers malnutrition?

GS Paper 2 (Social Justice: health and nutrition).