12 lakh children in State are underweight: panel tells HC

At least 12 lakh children between 0 and 6 years in the State are underweight due to malnutrition, says the State Government in a report submitted to the Karnataka High Court on Thursday.

The report of the committee, constituted by the State Government to address child malnutrition and infant mortality in Karnataka following directions issued by the court on a public interest litigation by B.L. Patil on the issue of malnutrition in Raichur district, points out that 11,29,947 children (5,61,224 boys and 5,68,723 girls) are suffering from moderate malnutrition.

A total of 33,039 boys and 38,566 girls (total 71,605) are severely underweight due to malnutrition. Quoting the study by the National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD) in 2010, the report stated that 28.7 per cent of the children under the age of three are underweight. Whereas 48.8 per cent are suffering from stunted growth, 15.3 per cent are too thin for their height.

Citing various reasons for malnutrition, the report points out that though lack of food is one of the main reasons, aspects like gender discrimination, early marriage, repeated pregnancies, superstition, lack of information and awareness regarding maternal and child care practices are adding to the problem.

Advocate Clifton D'Rozario, who is appearing in the matter as intervenor, said that State lacks uniform implementation of Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS).

The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Vikramjit Sen and Justice B.V. Nagarathna orally asked the Government how the recommendations made by the committee can be implemented effectively. The Bench suggested that the Government can involve medical and law students in the process. However, the hearing on the PIL was adjourned abruptly as a group of advocates created noise outside the court hall.