Over 186K Children Malnourished in Raj

There are a total of 186,572 malnourished children in the state with Karauli topping the chart as it recorded 18,888 children suffering from undernutrition between 2023-2024, according to government data tabled on Thursday.

- Urvashi Dev Rawal

JAIPUR:

According to the data given in the state assembly for 2023-2024, there were 1,86,572 malnourished children in the state, of which 18,434 are severely malnourished. However, Bundi topped the districts with the highest number of severely malnourished children at 4,973. The government shared the details in the assembly in response to a question by Ghanshyam Mahar, Congress MLA from Todabhim in Karauli district.

Asked about the information given by the government, Mahar told media that he was yet to see the reply. "Malnutrition has been an issue of concern for a long time. The government should identify children who are malnourished and find out the causes. Then it can take remedial action, whether it is providing nutritious diet or medicines," he said.

On whether he took any steps to mitigate malnutrition in his area, Mahar said, "I did not know about it. But if any action is needed from my side, I will do it."

Minister of state for women and children Manju Baghmar said there were many reasons for malnutrition and successive governments have taken steps to tackle it.