Overview

• Two toddlers in Shivpuri and Sheopur districts have died this week weighing as little as 2.5 kg, with families alleging treatment was denied because the children were girls
• Government data indicate that 1.36 lakh children in Madhya Pradesh are classified as severely wasted, highlighting acute malnutrition risks
• Admissions to Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres in tribal blocks have nearly doubled from 11,566 in 2020–21 to 20,741 in 2024–25 and total 85,330 since 2020
• A Comptroller and Auditor General audit confirmed that Rs 858 crore was siphoned from nutrition procurement and transport, yet no officials have been held accountable
• An IIPS study finds 35% of Maharashtra’s under-five children stunted and underweight and 26% wasted, prompting calls for strengthened maternal education, sanitation and targeted nutrition programmes