Mumbai, Nov 4 (Dna): Around 41 percent of the children living in the slums and shanties of Mumbai city are underweight, claims a survey report prepared by CRY. The survey report, bringing to fore as to how poor nutrition and sanitation conditions are impeding the growth of the young ones, was released on Tuesday, November 3.

The international organisation carried out the survey - Are Children Getting A Healthy Start - via household sampling for children between the age-group of one to six years. A shocking 71 percent of children suffer from stunting growth attributed mainly from malnourishment. As much as 62 percent of these children and their condition was kept under the dark by Anganwadi workers, who primarily are responsible for monitoring their health, stated the report.

The findings showed that 19 percent of children don't get Vitamin A supplement, 27 percent don't have deworming done and 40 percent don't have access to iron-folic supplement. The CRY survey was carried out in Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata in addition to Mumbai. The details highlighted by the survey have drawn stark questions on the government-run Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS).

The ICDS, the Central government’s flagship project, was conceived to tackle malnutrition. Anganwadis are spaces created for children to come, have the mid-day meal and collect nutritional supplements.