An Overview of Initiative Policies and Programmes on Malnutrition in India

Abstract

Introduction: Malnutrition among children under five years remains a significant public health challenge in India, encompassing both undernutrition and the emerging issue of overnutrition. It is influenced by multiple socio-economic and environmental determinants, including poverty, inadequate sanitation, and low maternal education. Despite several national nutrition programmes, the burden of malnutrition continues to persist across regions.
Methodology: This study adopts a narrative review approach to analyse malnutrition and related policy interventions in India. Relevant literature published between 2015 and 2023 was included, focusing on children under five years, maternal nutrition, and national nutrition programmes. Data were obtained from sources such as PubMed, National Family Health Survey (NFHS-3, 4, and 5), the World Health Organization, and NITI Aayog. Keywords including “malnutrition in India,” “child undernutrition,” “stunting and wasting,” and “nutrition programmes India” were used with Boolean operators. Data were categorised and synthesised narratively.
Results: Findings indicate that undernutrition remains highly prevalent among children under five in India. According to NFHS-5, 35.5% of children are stunted, 19.3% are wasted, and 32.1% are underweight. Additionally, 3.4% of children are overweight, highlighting the growing dual burden of malnutrition. Government initiatives such as the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Mid-Day Meal Scheme (PM POSHAN), and National Health Mission have contributed to improvements; however, gaps in implementation, monitoring, and service delivery remain evident.
Conclusion: The study underscores the need for strengthened, multi-sectoral strategies to address malnutrition in India. Improving community awareness, enhancing access to existing nutrition programmes, and addressing key determinants such as poverty, sanitation, and maternal education are essential. Furthermore, context-specific, local-level interventions are necessary to reduce regional disparities and improve child nutritional outcomes.

Keywords: Malnutrition, Undernutrition, Stunting, Wasting,Underweight, Integrated Child Development Services, Public Health

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202606

How to cite this article:
Karthikeyan K, Geetha R. An Overview of Initiative Policies and Programmes on Malnutrition in India. Chettinad Health City Med J. 2026;15(1):28-35.