Gujarat is a rapidly developing state, with industry and infrastructure growing at a pace that is enviable. It is a state that is continuously seeing impressive influx of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Increasing number of countries are eyeing Gujarat as one of the most attractive destinations for investment. In fact, In 2020 to 2021 financial year, Gujarat received a grand total of $30 billion in FDI, accounting for an impressive 37% share of all FDI to India.
That said, local economy of the state has also been very impressive. According to RBI State Data Handbook for 2019-20, Gujarat was the top state in India in per capita net state domestic product (NSDP) at Rs3. 03 lakh, which was almost double the national average of Rs1. 51 lakh.
Considering the economic prowess of Gujarat, one would think, the state would be doing just as well on the human indices as well. However, data says otherwise.
According to National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 report Gujarat was seen as the second highest state to have underweight children under five years of age at 39. 7%. Bihar, with 41%, ranked the worst. In stunting Gujarat ranked 4th worst and in wasting the state stood at 2nd worst.
Although this is true mostly in families that are financially lacking, the survey shows that this is prevalent in lower-middle class and middle-class families as well. Just because a person can afford something doesn’t mean he will buy it and use it. This proves that somewhere along the way there is a lack of understanding regarding nutrition and importance of providing healthy food to kids this age.
As such, the government of Gujarat has taken several initiatives to address this issue. Health Minister Rushikesh Patel launched Vachan (Very important Actions for Baby Well being and Diet) initiative in Ahmedabad with the aim to tackle the problem of malnutrition. Earlier, in March the Bharatiya Janata Party-led state government ‘Suposhan Abhiyaan’.
