Malnutrition in Children of the Backward States of India and the ICDS Programme

Introduction Malnutrition is a widely prevalent problem in India and one of astonishing magnitude. According to the National Family Health Survey (1992-93), more than half (53%) of children below four years of age are under nourished. In 1998, 29.1% children between 1-5 years of age suffered from moderate and 12.3% from severe under-nutrition. Nutritional adequacy is one of the key determinants of the health and well being of the children. Under-nourishment not only retards physical development but also hampers the learning and cognitive process, leading to sluggish educational, social and economic development.