Tumakuru: The number of severely malnourished children in Karnataka’s Tumakuru district has seen a consistent rise, with 1,579 cases reported over the last three years. The district has 4,199 anganwadis, which serve as early education and nutrition hubs for thousands of children. Regular monthly health check-ups, including weight and height monitoring, help detect children at risk.
In 2023–24, of the 1.27 lakh children screened, 899 were found severely malnourished. So far in 2024–25, another 235 cases have been reported, with Koratagere and Madhugiri taluks showing the highest concentration. Backward areas such as Pavagada are also on the radar.
Authorities say nutritious meals, including eggs and fortified foods, are provided at anganwadis. However, children often return to homes that lack awareness and resources for balanced meals, diminishing the impact of these efforts.
The Poshan Tracker app, launched by the Centre, helps monitor child health in real time. About 70% of anganwadis in Tumakuru now use the app to log attendance, food distribution, and facility updates. Plans are in place to include food quality tracking soon.
A major obstacle remains parental apathy. Despite awareness drives, many parents refuse to admit their children to the Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) set up in the district hospital. Though free meals, lodging, and even MGNREGA wages are offered to accompanying parents, most leave within a few days, cutting short the 15-day treatment.
Officials stress that community cooperation is crucial to overcoming this persistent health crisis.
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