Adilabad: Despite government efforts to improve nutrition, many students in government and tribal welfare hostels across the erstwhile Adilabad district continue to suffer from anaemia and related health issues, according to reports. Medical tests conducted in 2022 revealed that many students in these hostels had haemoglobin (HB) levels between 4-6 grams, which indicates severe anaemia.
The poor health of students, especially in tribal welfare hostels, has been linked to the substandard quality of food provided, which lacks essential nutrients. The inadequate meal plans have been cited as a factor to the malnutrition and anaemia that affect a large percentage of hostel students, with girls being particularly vulnerable due to low immunity caused by poor nutrition.
In response to these findings, the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) in Utnoor has reintroduced efforts to address the issue. The ITDA is now supplying Mahua Laddus, a locally produced nutritional supplement, to students in tribal welfare hostels as part of the 'Giri Poshana Mitra' scheme. The laddus, made by local self-help groups (SHGs), are designed to improve the health of students by providing essential nutrients.
The Mahua Laddus were previously distributed to pregnant women suffering from malnutrition and anaemia in select Anganwadis under a former government scheme. Now, they are being provided to students in the Adilabad district's tribal welfare hostels to combat the widespread issue of anaemia among the youth.
Minister for rural development Seethakka praised ITDA project officer Khushbhoo Guptha for the initiative, noting that it could have a significant positive impact on the health of students. "It would be beneficial if Mahua Laddus were supplied to all tribal welfare schools in the erstwhile Adilabad district," Seethakka stated. She also urged officials to conduct regular medical camps every Tuesday and Friday and to maintain health registers for each student.
Seethakka further announced that the 'Giri Poshana Mitra' scheme will soon be extended to all tribal welfare hostels under ITDA, Utnoor, covering districts including Nirmal, Mancherial, and Komaram Bheem Asifabad.
Khanapur MLA Vedma Bojju has called for more funds to ensure the supply of Mahua Laddus to all tribal welfare schools across the state, emphasising the need for improved nutrition to combat anaemia.
Adivasi leader Bursa Pochaiah from Komaram Bheem Asifabad district expressed concern over the continued high levels of malnutrition and anaemia in government hostels, noting that 50 per cent of students are still affected. "Despite the government's various schemes, there has been little improvement in the students' health. It is time to take urgent steps to enhance their diet and include nutritional supplements," he said.
