West Bengal: Mismanaged mid-day meals scheme pushing children towards further undernourishment (Two Circles)

Two Circles published an article on undernutrition in West Bengal.  Stunting among children aged five years and below has increased in seven districts in West Bengal, as per the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), published in November last year. The numbers of wasted and underweight children have also increased in 10 and nine districts respectively. Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, has embarrassingly seen a rise in all the categories. The IFPRI study further found that meals in schools do not just contribute to education, but influence students’ “fertility decision” later in their lives and give them access to health care. The study further found that meals in schools do not just contribute to education, but influence students’ “fertility decision” later in their lives and give them access to health care.