Bengaluru: Despite multiple state-run nutrition programmes, Karnataka continues to grapple with alarming levels of child malnutrition, with government data showing that nearly 4.8 lakh children below the age of six are severely stunted.

Information tabled in the Legislature reveals that out of 32.29 lakh children registered at Anganwadi centres across the state, more than 32.17 lakh were assessed for height and weight. Of these, 4,79,931 children were classified as severely stunted.

Belagavi district reported the highest number of affected children at 50,522. The district is currently represented by Women and Child Welfare Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, while the same portfolio in the previous BJP government was held by Shashikala Jolle, also from Belagavi. Other districts with a high burden include Vijayapura (46,434), Kalaburagi (43,919), Raichur (36,836), Koppal (28,070) and Yadgir (27,066).

In contrast, relatively fewer cases were reported from districts such as Chikkamagaluru (1,337), Ramanagara (2,264), Hassan (3,173), Dakshina Kannada (3,248), Kodagu (3,448) and Udupi (4,304).

Replying to a question raised by BJP MLC Hemalatha Nayak, the minister said the government has rolled out several interventions to address malnutrition. These include supplementary nutrition at Anganwadi centres, boiled eggs twice a week, and milk distribution under the Ksheera Bhagya scheme for children aged six months to six years.

She also informed the House about a new initiative, Chiguru, launched in high-burden districts including Ballari, Bidar, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur, Belagavi, Chitradurga and Vijayanagara. Under the programme, severely malnourished children will be identified for focused health check-ups and provided enhanced nutritional support.

According to Hebbalkar, children’s height and weight will now be monitored monthly at Anganwadi centres, with re-measurements planned to identify the underlying causes of stunting more accurately.

However, Hemalatha Nayak flagged concerns over the quality of food supplied. “I have drawn the minister’s attention to poor-quality jaggery and the unpalatable taste of Pushti food powder. In some centres, children are seen discarding the food,” she said. Emphasising maternal health, she added that poverty in North Karnataka prevents many women from accessing nutritious food during pregnancy, significantly contributing to stunting among children.

Nutrition experts underline that the first six years of life are crucial for physical and cognitive development. “When children lack adequate protein, iron, zinc, healthy fats and essential vitamins, the body slows growth to conserve energy,” explained Rajeshwari R Hanchinal, a Bengaluru-based nutritionist.

“This results in stunting, which affects not just height but also immunity, learning ability and long-term productivity. As the World Health Organisation has warned, undernutrition in early childhood can have lifelong consequences. Ensuring balanced, diverse diets in the early years is key to building a healthier and more productive future,” she said.