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 y.
