Abstract

Malnutrition among children reduces the physical growth, school achievements and future employment opportunities. Present study finds that the incidence of malnutrition among below five age group children in Kutcha slums of Mumbai city is increasing. The incidence of stunting is rising faster whereas the incidence of underweight remains stagnant. The incidence of severe malnutrition is also increasing among children in slums. The deaths related to severe malnutrition are also rising in city. The logit model shows that the incidence of child malnutrition is negatively correlated with per capita income, breastfeeding among children and health care facilities. The policies of recruiting more nurses and doctors in health care facilities, supplementary food coverage by anganwadi workers will work to improve child health. Government must invest more in terms of water supply, sanitation and housing for slum dwellers.  Women must be given educational and technical training for self employment. 

Key words: Economic growth, self employment, child malnutrition.