Trends and Analysis of Child Anthropometric Indices for India

Abstract

This paper based on National Family Health Survey-4 studies the prevalence of anthropometric indices like stunting, wasting, and underweight in India, with especial reference to the districts of Bihar, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh. Though prevalence of stunting and underweight has declined in all states, yet seven out of thirteen states actually witnessed an increase in rates of wasting. Mother’s health, availability of adequate balanced diet, drinking water, institutional delivery and exposure to immunization programs are found to have been associated with the observed outcomes. In some parts of India, active left winged extremism are hypothesized to have stalled development process in these regions, which have translated to poor child health outcomes. Food and nutrition insecurity need to be tackled in these areas. Finally this paper advocates for changes in policy prescriptions taking into account geopolitical constraints, for ameliorating the twin problems of food insecurity and under-nutrition.

Keywords: Anthropometric Indices, NFHS-4, Stunting, Wasting, Underweight

JEL Classification: I10, J13