The number of severely acute malnourished (SAM) children in Rohtak district has sharply declined from 330 in April 2025 to just 24 in April 2026, marking a reduction of over 92 per cent, Deputy Commissioner Sachin Gupta claimed.
“According to Poshan Tracker data, the number of moderately acute malnourished (MAM) children in the district also declined significantly from 1,380 to 377 during the same period. This achievement was made possible through the coordinated efforts of Anganwadi workers, Health Department teams and counselling sessions conducted for mothers. More than 55,000 children in the district are currently under continuous monitoring,” he said.
The Deputy Commissioner further stated that growth measurement efficiency in the district had reached nearly 100 per cent, while home-visit efficiency had crossed 99 per cent.
“Under the ‘First 1,000 Days’ campaign, pregnant women and lactating mothers are being counselled on breastfeeding, immunisation, supplementary nutrition, maternal health and child development. Additionally, nutrition gardens at Anganwadi centres are being promoted to encourage healthy eating habits within communities,” Gupta added.
He said a coordinated strategy focusing on child nutrition, early education, emotional development, behavioural learning, child protection and community participation had played a crucial role in the sharp decline in malnutrition cases in the district. He added that the administration had achieved significant success in combating malnutrition through continuous growth monitoring, nutrition counselling, supplementary dietary support and regular home visits.
“The real strength of any society lies in how it nurtures children during their early years. Our aim is not only to improve nutrition indicators but also to ensure that children grow into healthy, confident, emotionally strong and socially aware individuals,” Gupta said.
The Deputy Commissioner pointed out that Anganwadi centres in the district are being rapidly developed into smart Anganwadis. Toys, puzzles, colourful charts, activity kits and other learning materials have been provided for children at these centres.
“Children are being taught life skills and behavioural values through play-based activities. They are also being educated about handwashing and hygiene, washing fruits and vegetables before eating, proper use of dustbins, keeping toys and study materials organised, cooperation and respectful behaviour, environmental awareness and watering plants,” he added.
Gupta further said that activities are being organised to improve children’s communication skills and boost their self-confidence. Basic road safety awareness is also being imparted to them.
Through storytelling sessions, sports activities, toy workshops and creative programmes at Anganwadi centres, efforts are also being made to promote children’s creativity and emotional development.
