Gujarat ranks 31st in child malnutrition, AAP raises health concerns

Gujarat has been ranked 31st out of 32 states and union territories in India on child malnutrition, according to a recent National Family Health Survey (NFHS) report, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Gujarat State President Isudan Gadhvi stated on Friday.

Speaking at a press conference, Gadhvi highlighted that malnutrition rates in the state are higher than in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. “The number of malnourished children in Gujarat is increasing day by day because no arrangements have been made for the poor. The government has failed to implement measures to bring children out of malnutrition,” he said.

Gadhvi also raised concerns about water quality in Gandhinagar, citing a recent outbreak of typhoid linked to pipelines where drainage water reportedly mixed with drinking water. He said that over 1 lakh water samples had been collected across Gujarat, with 1,10,000 samples failing quality tests.

He added, “In Gandhinagar, people are contracting typhoid and struggling for access to clean drinking water. It is important to examine the causes and take appropriate measures.”

The AAP leader further noted economic challenges in the state, stating that over the last three years, more than 10,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have reportedly closed in Gujarat.

Gadhvi’s comments underscore issues of child nutrition, water safety, and local economic activity in the state, based on the NFHS report and recent health concerns.