Bhubaneswar, 6 December (H.S.) : Odisha has reported a total of 56,751 malnutrition cases among children over the past four years, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida informed the State Assembly on Saturda.

Responding to a question from MLA Pradip Kumar Disari, Parida provided year-wise data, stating that 23,005 children were affected in 2022–23, followed by 13,736 cases in 2023–24 and 10,133 in 2024–25. In the current financial year, 2025–26, the state has recorded 9,877 children under malnutrition so far.

Parida said the government has been taking several measures to tackle the issue, primarily through the Supplementary Nutrition Scheme, which aims to improve the nutritional status of children and women. Under the scheme, children between six months and three years receive sattu, eggs, laddoo and essential ration items. Those aged three to six years are provided eggs and hot cooked meals at Anganwadi centres.

Pregnant and lactating women are also being supplied with sattu, laddoo and eggs to support their nutritional needs. In addition, the Mukhyamantri Sampoorna Pushti Yojana (MSPY) is being implemented to provide Nutritious Chatua and other supplements to severely malnourished children to ensure quicker recovery.

To support Moderately Acute Malnourished (MAM) children, the government is distributing besan flour mixture, bananas and eggs. Pregnant and lactating women are further provided with laddoo, fried channa dal, Nutritious Mudhi and dates as part of the nutrition drive.

Parida emphasised that the government remains committed to reducing malnutrition in the state through strengthened nutritional support and targeted interventions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda