Ladakh Records Highest Anaemia Levels Among Tribal Women, Jammu Kashmir Records 68.6 Per Cent | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Ladakh has reported the highest prevalence of anaemia among tribal women in the country at 92.4 per cent, while Jammu and Kashmir recorded 68.6 per cent, according to fresh data shared by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in the Lok Sabha.

The figures, drawn from the National Family Health Survey 5, were presented as part of an update on the implementation of Mission Poshan 2.0.

The Ministry said that district-wise data on nutritional outcomes for tribal women and children is being continuously captured through the Poshan Tracker, a digital monitoring system rolled out in March 2021. The platform provides real-time information on stunting, wasting and underweight prevalence across States, districts and tribal regions.

According to the State-wise anaemia data, several regions continue to report rates far above the national average, including West Bengal at 82.4 per cent, Gujarat at 78.3 per cent, Chhattisgarh and Dadra and Nagar Haveli at 70.9 per cent each, Assam at 69.2 per cent, and Tripura at 66.8 per cent. Jharkhand recorded 72 per cent, while Odisha stood at 71.7 per cent.

The Government said Poshan Vatikas or nutrition gardens established at Anganwadi Centres are intended to support dietary diversity by supplying fruits, vegetables and medicinal plants year round. A World Bank survey across 11 States found that nutrition messaging under Poshan Abhiyaan had reached more than eighty percent of women, with a notable link between home visits and improved nutrition practices.

The Ministry added that third-party evaluations by NITI Aayog in 2020 and 2025 found the programme relevant for tackling malnutrition. It also cited progress under Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, with more than 1.80 lakh centres operational till October 2025, providing expanded primary health care services.

The evaluation of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs commissioned by NITI Aayog in July 2024 highlighted gains in infrastructure, wider access to diagnostics and medicines, and increased community footfall. However, comprehensive impact assessments of Poshan 2.0 on tribal nutrition outcomes are still awaited, and the Ministry has not specified when the full evaluation report will be made public.