41.6% of Gujarat's kids stunted, finds Unicef study

March 22, 2016

Gujarat, Mar 22: Gujarat is battling malnutrition, with around 10.1% children in the state being grossly underweight and 41.6% of children showing stunted growth.

These are the findings of the Rapid Survey on Children, a nation wide sample survey of over one lakh households, conducted by Unicef, the report of which was accepted by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The report suggests over 41.6% children in Gujarat are stunted and 18.3% are severely stunted, for their age. The report 'Rapid Survey on Children' surveyed 1.05 lakh families in the country and met 2.10 people, including 90,000 children in the age group of 0 to 4 years.

The revelation underscores how malnutrition continues to torment Gujarat, an economically progressive state whose development model is to be replicated across India by the Union government.

Senior officials of the women and child development department, say that the government -including chief minister Anandiben Patel -refused to buy into the report, saying there has been a sharp decline in the number of malnourished children in the state.

According to the survey, 41.6% of children in Gujarat are stunted. Some 18.3% of the state's kids are categorized as being 'severely stunted'. The survey also found that 33.6% of children were underweight for their age, with 10.1% being categorized as `severely underweight'. The number of severely underweight children is 11.3% in rural areas and 8.2% in urban areas. Among scheduled tribes, the proportion of severely underweight children is 13.8%.

Sources said this proportion of stunted children is greater than the national average which is 38.80% in India. Similarly, the proportion of underweight children in the country is 29.40% while in Gujarat it is 33.50%.

The socio-economic review 2015-16 had revealed that 1.47 lakh of the 43 lakh children at anganwadis in the state were found to be suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM).

Also according to replies tabled in the state assembly, there are 1.97 lakh malnourished and 24,762 SAM children in 46 talukas of five districts in the state -Banaskantha, Patan, Navsari, Junagadh and Kheda.

Comments

Add new comment

Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.

Fusion-2K25: Melkar Women’s College Celebrates 17th Annual Day and Graduation Ceremony

News Network

December 17,2025

Melkar, Dec 17: The 17th Annual Day and Graduation Ceremony of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, themed “Fusion-2K25,” was celebrated with dignity and enthusiasm, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s academic journey. The programme reflected the college’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence, character building, and the holistic development of students.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Asif Mohammed, whose presence greatly enriched the occasion. The celebration was further graced by the chief guests Mr. P. B. Ahmed Mudassir and Mr. Nissar Fakeer Mohammed, along with the distinguished guests of honour Mr. B. A. Nazeer and Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar. In their inspiring addresses, the guests encouraged the graduating students and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the management, faculty, and students.

The annual report was presented by the Principal, Mr. Abdul Majeed S, highlighting the institution’s academic progress, notable achievements, and extracurricular accomplishments during the academic year.

The presidential address was delivered by the esteemed Chairman of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasized the vital role of education in empowering women and shaping responsible citizens. He also stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and perseverance in achieving success.

Cultural programmes and academic recognitions formed an integral part of the celebration, showcasing the talents and achievements of the students. The graduation ceremony was a proud moment for the outgoing students as they were formally conferred degrees and wished success in their future endeavours.

Ms. Mashmooma Fathima served as the Master of Ceremonies. The welcome address was delivered by Ms. Fathima Nida, and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Ayisha Suhana.

The event successfully achieved its objectives and was highly appreciated by the guests and attendees.

Comments