Members of a new committee constituted by the Karnataka High Court to study malnutrition among Anganwadi children in the state were in for a rude shock while touring Bidar and Gulbarga. The committee, headed by Justice N.K. Patil found that neither the deputy commissioners, nor the CEOs, not even the Taluk Panchayat officers knew where the anganwadis were located. They had to fall back on children playing on the streets to show them the way!
The official ignorance only reinforces the image of government apathy towards tackling malnutrition-related deaths, which prompted the High Court to take the government to task, dismiss a state appointed body and set up a nine-member committee in early April. The new committee believes the number of malnourished children could be higher than previously reported. Government records show 68,000 cases. NGOs reported 72,000 cases. “We’ve identified 600 malnourished children in Bidar alone,” they said.
Nutrition scheme leaves 45% kids out
Thirty seven years after the launch of Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), Karnataka has managed to cover only 55 per cent of its children under the scheme.
The nine–member committee headed by Justice N.K. Patil, appointed by the Karnataka High Court to draw up an effective action plan to tackle malnutrition, came across many startling facts about child malnutrition during its interaction with government officials, NGOs and experts, on Monday.
Dr Shivananda, director of Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health said, “The reasons for malnourishment could be many. Children with low birth weight have to be given special attention. Growth monitoring at anganwadis, prevention of malnutrition by focusing on nutrition of girl child (who is a future mother) and monitoring the health of pregnant women and imparting nutrition education to new mothers especially on exclusive breastfeeding will help tackle malnutrition.”
A dearth of infrastructure like buildings to house anganwadis, availability of drinking water, toilets, well-equipped kitchen, play area and play equipment were reported to be major hurdles in attracting children to the centres. “Most children in 0 to 3 years age group stay home. Anganwadi-cum-creches will encourage working mothers to bring in their infants and children to anganwadis, where they can be nurtured and also imparted preschool education. Land being scarce in urban areas, the district administration should allot land on priority to set up anganwadis,” according to Kathyayani Chamraj of CIVIC.
Dr Jayalakshmi H.K. a nutritional specialist and a member of the committee, said “Absence of fats, micronutrients and fruits is a serious lapse in the nutritional programme for children.”