TV
Despite the government spending crores of rupees to tackle malnutrition, disturbing ground realities continue to surface from various parts of Odisha. After Jajpur’s Nagada made national headlines for malnourished children, a similar grim situation has now emerged from the Koida block in Sundargarh district.
Shocking visuals from the mining region of Koida show severely undernourished children, some unable to stand, others appearing skeletal. This is not an isolated case; several villages are reportedly facing similar conditions, indicating a widespread crisis.
What Official Data Says?
According to official data, Sundargarh has over 3,633 malnourished children, out of which 633 are severely malnourished. In Koida block alone, 231 out of 8,357 children are reportedly affected.
In 2024, 130 children were identified as malnourished; and in 2025, so far, 39 new cases have been reported.
What’s alarming is that, despite the state spending over Rs 2.12 crore monthly on providing nutrition through eggs, ladoos, and chhatua, beneficiaries claim they are not receiving these essential food items. Many blame the poor delivery at Anganwadi centres.
“Our children are not getting the food provided by the government. Anganwadi workers should come to the house and take the children to schools and Anganwadi centers. They are not doing that,” alleged Anjali Sandhya, a parent.
Echoing the same, Kasturi Majhi, another parent, said, “The classes are irregular. The food that the children are supposed to receive at Anganwadi centers is not reaching them. Even expecting women are not getting eggs.”
District officials, however, asserted that various developmental programmes are underway and strict action would be taken against those responsible for negligence.
“We have set up a total of 250 crèches in the district, and 700 more will come up. If any official is found guilty, necessary action will be taken against them,” said Manoj Satyaban Mahajan, Sundargarh Collector.
