This paper analyses the level of malnutrition among women and children from disadvantaged groups in India. In India, economic productivity has increased and impressive efforts have been made in nutrition interventions, but significant improvement in nutritional status has not accompanied these advances. While aggregate levels of undernutrition are shockingly high, the picture is further exacerbated by the significant inequalities across states and socioeconomic groups – girls, rural areas, the poorest and scheduled tribes and castes are the worst affected –and these inequalities appear to be increasing. Often it is found and reported that people belonging to schedule caste, schedule tribes or other backward classes fall prey to “social exclusion” which prevents them to gain access to government services and programmes. This further worsens their health and nutritional status. The paper thus, analyses the magnitude of problem and highlights policy recommendations to address the discrimination and promote “social inclusion” in nutrition programmes.
