A shocking report has come to the fore regarding children in Punjab. According to the Nutrition Tracker Data (June 2025) of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, many children up to the age of 5 years in Punjab are becoming victims of malnutrition. The report claims that the height of children between 0 and 5 years in the state is not increasing according to their age. Also, 2.95% of children in this age group are extremely lean, while 5.12% of children are not gaining weight as expected.
There are two major reasons behind malnutrition, such as lack of nutrients in children’s food. Not giving milk, curd, pulses, green vegetables and fruits to children also causes malnutrition. Apart from this, parents encourage children more towards junk food and fast food.
Important steps being taken by the Punjab Government
The Punjab government has started many important efforts for the nutrition and care of children. A target has been set to establish 1,000 modern Anganwadi centers across the state. The government has also set a budget of Rs 100 crore for this. Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur had announced that 111 modern Anganwadi centers have been built so far. Through these centers, special attention is being given to better care and development of children.
A survey was conducted on child malnutrition in rural areas of Punjab in August 2024. This survey revealed that a large number of children are victims of malnutrition. 16% of children aged 2 to 3 years were found to be underweight, while 20.4% of children were not tall according to their age. Not only this, 4.8% of children were also found to be overweight. This report is a matter of serious concern about the health of children in the state. Although the steps taken by the government are definitely a positive sign, society and parents will also have to play their role to improve the nutrition of children.
