Malnutrition in India

The writer of this paper has made an inquiry into the determinants of the spatial differences in the distribution of malnutrition is six states of India, examined its consequences, and has suggested some measures. In Chapter I, the writer has defined the term malnutrition, recognized the problem and formulated the argument to study this phenomenon. In Chapter II, he has investigated the causes of the spatial differences in the distribution of malnutrition. Its important causes are total cereal intake, milk and milk products intake, wheat and millets intake per consumption unit. But the most important underlying cause is the family income per month. In general, the higher the family income per month, the lesser the degree of malnutrition in the case of the study area. In Chapter III, the important consequences of malnutrition on human resources and underdevelopment have been examined. If has serious effects on physical growth, aging and mortality. Some of its consequences are also reflected in many diseases like kwashiorkor, goitre, karamtomalacia, beri-beri, pellagra, and scurvy. It can also cause retardation in language skills and brain dwarfing. Its consequences on underdevelopment are equally serious. This results in low productivity per capita, and affects the quality of labour by leading to apathy and absenteeism. In Chapter IV, the writer has suggested both productive and protective measures such as increasing food production and protective measures such as increasing food production, distribution of vitamin tablets, skimmed milk and establishing government canteens to overcome the problem of malnutrition. Besides all this, the writer suggests that people should be made aware of this problem and their image should be changed. The safe way for this in a democratic welfare state is through the education of the masses