Make steady nutrition grants to reap demographic dividend
Context:
Anaemia is another severe public health problem among women, adolescent girls and young children.
Malnutrition's Ongoing Impact
Global Economic Concerns: Malnutrition hinders India's global potential, impacting human resources and development, exacerbated by recent crises.
Alarming Statistics: Despite progress in poverty reduction, malnutrition persists, affecting 14.9% of Indians, with 30% attributed to nutritional deprivation.
Long-Term Consequences: Malnutrition, especially in children, can lead to physical and mental development issues, emphasizing the need for sustained interventions.
State-Level Disparities and Anaemia Challenge
State-Wise Malnutrition Variation: NFHS 4 and NFHS 5 comparisons reveal inter-year shifts, exposing variations, and highlighting the absence of single-digit malnutrition rates.
Anaemia's Pervasive Impact: Anaemia, linked to cognitive and physical health issues, remains a challenge; maternal mortality reduction is possible with proper intervention.
Policy Recommendations: The 15th Finance Commission's grant and existing schemes aim to address malnutrition, but a sustained, focused approach is crucial at both central and state levels.
Urgent Need for Sectoral Reconsideration
Budgetary Challenges: Nutrition schemes' budgetary fluctuations impact outcomes; a consistent, sector-specific allocation is needed for effective malnutrition elimination.
Economic Benefits of Investment: Global studies reveal a 16:1 benefit-cost ratio for nutrition investments; the 16th Finance Commission should reconsider sectoral grants.
Holistic Approach Needed: Schemes like SakshamAnganwadi and Poshan 2.0 must be complemented with sustained financial support to address current and future malnutrition challenges.