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Key Points

Maharashtra is facing a significant child malnutrition challenge with 30,800 children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition. Minister Aditi Tatkare revealed detailed statistics highlighting urban areas' growing nutrition concerns. The state government has launched targeted intervention schemes like Suposhit Mumbai Abhiyan to address this critical issue. Comprehensive efforts are being made to provide nutritional support through various child development programs.

Key Points: Maharashtra's 30,800 Children Face Severe Malnutrition Crisis

  • Maharashtra reports 30,800 children with Severe Acute Malnutrition
  • Mumbai suburbs show alarming child nutrition challenges
  • Government launches Suposhit Mumbai Abhiyan to address crisis
  • Urban areas witnessing increasing malnutrition rates
2 min read

30,800 children severely malnourished in Maharashtra, 2,887 in Mumbai: Minister

Aditi Tatkare reveals shocking malnutrition stats in Maharashtra, highlighting urgent need for targeted nutrition interventions

"We are implementing schemes to monitor and reduce malnutrition rates - Aditi Tatkare, Women and Child Welfare Minister"

Mumbai, July 3

Maharashtra Minister of Women and Child Welfare Aditi Tatkare in a written reply said on Thursday that of the total children of 48,59,346 whose weight and height measured - 30,800 children were reported with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and 1,51,643 with Medium Acute Malnutrition (MAM) as per Poshan track data for February 2025.

The number of malnourished children in urban areas is increasing compared to rural areas. In Mumbai suburb, of the 2,34,896 children whose weight and height measured, 2,887 were reported with SAM and 13,457 with MAM, in Thane of the 1,85,360, 844 SAM and 7,366 (MAM), in Nashik of 3,05,628, 1852 (SAM) and 8,944 (MAM), in Pune of 2,98,929, 1,666 (SAM) and 7,410 (MAM), in Dhule of 1,41,906, 1,741 (SAM) and 6,377 (MAM), in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, 1,439 (SAM) and 6,487 (MAM) and in Nagpur, 1,373 (SAM) and 6,715 (MAM), said the minister.

As per the minister, of the 2,21,338 sanctioned posts of anganwadi sevikas and assistants, the government has filled up 2,17,736 posts, while the process is underway for the recruitment of the remaining posts. Further, the government has launched the recruitment of child development project officers and supervisors.

Minister Tatkare said that the government has taken a slew of measures to reduce malnutrition, including providing fresh and nutritious food to pregnant women and lactating mothers and children under the Integrated Child Development Scheme.

Similarly, food is provided to pregnant and lactating mothers and children under the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Amrut Scheme. Further, energy-dense nutritional food is also provided to malnourished children under the SAM category.

In addition, the government is also implementing various schemes, including real-time monitoring, to contain malnutrition.

Recently, the minister launched the Suposhit Mumbai Abhiyan and Urban Child Development Centre Scheme to bring malnourished children in urban areas into the normal category. The centres, established under the Urban Child Development scheme, will be highly beneficial in ensuring proper nutrition for mothers and children right from pregnancy up to the first 1,000 days of life.

The Suposhit Mumbai Abhiyan and Urban Child Development Centre Scheme are being implemented to reduce the malnutrition rate among children in Mumbai and suburban areas.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Why is malnutrition increasing in urban areas? Mumbai being financial capital should have better facilities. Shows how development is only for rich people while poor suffer. Shameful situation.
A
Aditya G
The numbers are alarming but at least the government is acknowledging the problem. The Suposhit Mumbai Abhiyan seems promising - hope they monitor it properly. Nutrition in first 1000 days is crucial for child development.
S
Sarah B
As an expat living in Mumbai, I'm shocked by these statistics. The contrast between luxury high-rises and malnutrition in slums is stark. Corporates should partner with NGOs to address this - CSR funds can make real difference.
K
Karthik V
Schemes are good on paper but corruption at implementation level eats up funds. My cousin works in Anganwadi - she says ration quality is often poor. Need better monitoring and community participation.
N
Nisha Z
We need more awareness about breastfeeding and nutrition education for mothers. Many urban poor families spend on packaged junk food instead of nutritious home cooked meals. Education is as important as food supply.

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