Malnutrition in India: POSHAN Abhiyan and Beyond
TOPIC CLASSIFICATION
Subject: Social Issues / Health Sub-area: Nutrition Policy Prelim PYQ Trend: High (frequent questions on NFHS indicators, schemes) Mains Relevance: GS-1 (Society), GS-2 (Social Justice, Health)
EXAMINER REASONING
Malnutrition is a persistent development challenge that UPSC tests comprehensively. The examiner focuses on: (a) types - stunting, wasting, underweight, micronutrient deficiencies (anaemia), obesity (double burden); (b) measurement - NFHS, Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS), Global Hunger Index; (c) government programmes - POSHAN Abhiyan, Saksham Anganwadi, PM Poshan (mid-day meal); (d) causes - poverty, maternal health, breastfeeding, dietary diversity, sanitation (WASH). Expect questions linking malnutrition to economic productivity, demographic dividend, and intergenerational transmission.
Core Concept
Types of Malnutrition:
| Type | Definition | India's Status (NFHS-5, 2019-21) |
|---|---|---|
| Stunting | Low height-for-age (chronic) | 35.5% children under 5 |
| Wasting | Low weight-for-height (acute) | 19.3% children under 5 |
| Underweight | Low weight-for-age | 32.1% children under 5 |
| Anaemia | Low haemoglobin (women/children) | 57% women (15-49), 67% children (6-59m) |
| Overweight/Obesity | High BMI (emerging) |
This note is temporarily free
UPSC Margin is open for 3 months. All notes, full-length mock tests, and daily current affairs are free during this window.
Monthly
₹299
per month
Yearly
₹1,999
per year
No account? Create one free