Nutrition and Malnutrition Among Dalit and Tribal Children in India

Malnutrition remains a significant challenge in India and surveys show that it is more prevalent among vulnerable groups such as Dalit and tribal children. 

Story: Anjali Soni

According to the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, there has been a notable decline in malnutrition indicators among tribal children. The prevalence of stunting, wasting, and being underweight has decreased from 43.8%, 27.4%, and 45.3% in NFHS-4 to 40.9%, 23.2%, and 39.5% in NFHS-5, respectively (by PIB Delhi)

A decade ago, the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) painted a stark picture of the nutritional status of children in India, particularly those belonging to marginalized communities like Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). The survey, conducted in 2015-2016, revealed alarming rates of stunting, wasting, and underweight among children under five years old, with SC and ST children facing the worst. This data underscored the persistent inequities in access to basic health facilities and nutrition despite decades of development and welfare policies.

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In 2018, the NFHS-4 data showed that 38% of children under five in India were stunted, 21% were wasted, and 36% were underweight. These figures were significantly higher among SC and ST children, with 43.8% of ST and 42.8% of SC children being stunted, 27.4% of ST and 21.2% of SC children being wasted, and 45.3% of ST and 39.1% of SC children being underweight. Additionally, anaemia affected 58% of children under five nationwide, with an even higher prevalence among SC (60.5%), ST (63.1%), and OBC (58.6%) children, compared to 53.9% among general category children.

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Fast forward to 2023, the NFHS-5 survey indicates a positive shift in these troubling statistics. The prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight among tribal children has decreased to 40.9%, 23.2%, and 39.5%, respectively. This progress reflects the impact of concerted efforts by the Indian government and various stakeholders to combat malnutrition through targeted interventions.

The Government of India has recognized the critical need to address malnutrition and has implemented several targeted interventions. Key programs include POSHAN Abhiyaan, Anganwadi Services, the Scheme for Adolescent Girls under Mission Poshan 2.0, and the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) under Mission Shakti. These initiatives aim to improve the nutritional status of children, adolescents, pregnant women, and lactating mothers across the country, including in tribal areas.

POSHAN Abhiyaan

Launched on March 8, 2018, POSHAN Abhiyaan seeks to enhance the nutritional status of adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers through a synergized and result-oriented approach. The Abhiyaan is implemented across all 36 States and Union Territories, including tribal regions. This mission-mode approach leverages technology, multi-ministerial convergence, and community mobilization to promote nutrition-linked behavioural changes. Key initiatives under POSHAN Abhiyaan include the annual celebrations of Poshan Maah in September and Poshan Pakhwada in March, which focus on fostering nutritious local food for a healthy mother and child in tribal areas.

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Mission Poshan 2.0

Mission Poshan 2.0, a convergence of the Supplementary Nutrition Programme under Anganwadi Services and POSHAN Abhiyaan, aims to tackle malnutrition in children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers through strategic shifts in nutrition content and delivery. It emphasizes maternal nutrition, infant and young child feeding norms, treatment of moderate and severe acute malnutrition (MAM/SAM), and wellness through AYUSH practices. Technology, particularly the Poshan Tracker, enhances governance and monitoring of supplementary nutrition.

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The improvements reflected in the NFHS-5 survey demonstrate that with targeted policies, community involvement, and sustained effort, the battle against malnutrition and anaemia among Dalit and tribal children can be won. The progress made over the past decade offers hope and a blueprint for further action to ensure that all children in India have the opportunity to grow up healthy and strong. Continued focus on community mobilization, diet diversity, and leveraging traditional knowledge will be crucial in sustaining and furthering these gains.