Opinion | Building India's Human Capital Amid Persistent Child Malnutrition

Updated: Mar 21, 2026 14:46 pm IST Published On Mar 21, 2026 14:46 pm IST Last Updated On Mar 21, 2026 14:46 pm IST

Published On Mar 21, 2026 14:46 pm IST

Last Updated On Mar 21, 2026 14:46 pm IST

President Droupadi Murmu's assertion that children are not merely beneficiaries of welfare schemes but "architects of the nation's bright future" is both inspiring and sobering. She also said that ensuring good nutrition for a child is an investment in human capital.

President Murmu made these statements while speaking at an event to commemorate the milestone of serving 5 billion meals and 25 years of service to the cause by Akshaya Patra Foundation at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre on Tuesday (March 17).

As an implementing partner of the Government of India's flagship PM POSHAN initiative, Akshaya Patra - the not-for-profit organisation- has been serving fresh, nutritious meals to millions of children studying in government schools across India. It places nutrition at the heart of India's ambition to become a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Yet this vision collides with a stark reality. Millions of Indian children continue to suffer from stunting and wasting - conditions that silently erode the country's human capital.

Despite flagship schemes like the Mid-Day Meal Programme, POSHAN Abhiyaan, and ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services), malnutrition persists due to weak implementation, poor inter-departmental coordination, and data gaps. 

India has made........

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