The Persistent Challenge of Child Stunting in India: Causes and Consequences
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Economic and Social Development (Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives - POSHAN Abhiyaan), General Issues on Health.
Mains:
General Studies Paper 1: Poverty and developmental issues, Social empowerment.
General Studies Paper 2: Issues relating to poverty and hunger; Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources; Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections.
Essay: This is a key topic for essays related to Health, Human Development, and Poverty.
Key Highlights from the News
POSHAN Abhiyaan (launched in 2018) failed to achieve its goals; stunting in children remains high at 37% as of June 2025. This is only a slight decrease from 38.4% in 2016.
Stunting is a condition where a child is too short for their age due to chronic malnutrition.
Its causes are multifaceted: maternal ill-health, teenage pregnancies, low maternal education, inadequate breastfeeding, poor diet, anaemia, and poor sanitation are all major factors.
Statistics show that as maternal education increases, stunting in children decreases.
In India, 57% of women (15-49 years) and 67% of children (below 5 years) are anemic.
There is a vicious cycle between infection and malnutrition.
Stunting not only affects a child's physical growth but also negatively impacts their cognitive skills and future. It contributes to an intergenerational cycle of deprivation.
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