The latest data released by the Registrar General of India (RGI) paints an evolving picture about India’s health scenario. The country has made significant strides in reducing Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) since 2005, but malnutrition remains a persistent challenge.
About the Registrar General of India
Established in 1961 under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the RGI is responsible for organizing, conducting, and analyzing demographic surveys such as the Census of India and Linguistic Survey of India. The office of RGI is responsible for multiple tasks including Housing & Population Census, Civil Registration System (CRS), Sample Registration System (SRS), National Population Register (NPR) and Mother Tongue Survey.
Progress Made in Reducing Mortality Rates
According to the RGI, India’s MMR has dropped from 301 (2001-03) to 97 (2018-20) and IMR declined to 27 in 2021, down from 58 in 2005. Programs such as the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and the National Health Mission (NHM) have been crucial in driving this decline by making healthcare accessible and affordable.
Malnutrition: A Lingering Challenge
Despite progress in other areas, malnutrition continues to be a major problem in India. This condition, which occurs when the body lacks vital nutrients, affects people who are either undernourished or overnourished. The National Family Health Survey 2019-21 found that 35.5% of children under 5 are stunted, 19.3% are wasted, and 32.1% are underweight in India. Furthermore, the incidence of anaemia has worsened across all Indian states.
Government Initiatives Against Malnutrition
To tackle malnutrition, several initiatives have been launched such as the POSHAN Abhiyaan and Anemia Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. However, these campaigns struggle with implementation challenges and a fragmented approach. Other interventions include the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme.
Reforming Nutrition Approaches
Efforts to reduce malnutrition can be bolstered by prioritizing grassroots-level administration, decentralized financial resources, and more intensive monitoring. Strategies should also include diversifying local food, enhancing behavior change communication, and institutionalizing monthly health days at every Anganwadi centre.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Questions
Past examinations for civil services in India have revolved around these issues. For instance, a 2017 question asked about the objectives of the ‘National Nutrition Mission’, while a 2021 question examined the role of microfinancing in breaking the cycle of gender inequality, poverty, and malnutrition.
