Abstract

This policy brief examines district-level expenditures on nutrition-specific interventions in Karnataka, analyzing their alignment with health outcomes and equity across regions. Karnataka, despite being economically progressive, exhibits significant disparities in nutrition indicators. While schemes like Mathrupoorna, Ksheera Bhagya, and mid-day meals dominate expenditure, accounting for 72% of the ₹5,596.16 crore spent on nutrition-specific interventions in 2018, challenges persist in addressing stunting, wasting, and anemia, especially in northern districts.

The study constructs a nutrition index using stunting, wasting, and anemia prevalence to compare districts, revealing stark regional disparities. Expenditure estimates highlight the inadequacy of uniform, population-based allocations to address diverse nutritional needs. Southern districts show better health indicators than northern counterparts, such as Kalburagi and Yadgir, which despite high allocations, lag in outcomes. Key recommendations include revising unit cost estimations, integrating sub-district data for better targeting, and emphasizing counseling as a low-cost, high-impact intervention.

Furthermore, the brief underscores the critical need to focus on adolescents aged 15–18 years, a group currently underserved. Addressing gaps in data collection, program implementation under POSHAN Abhiyaan, and the shift from food to holistic nutrition security are essential for sustainable impact. This evidence-based approach aims to optimize resource allocation and reduce intergenerational malnutrition in Karnataka.

Public Expenditure Series 7 of 8

Raghuraman, G. (2024). Estimating district-level costs for nutrition-specific interventions in Karnataka (Public Expenditure Series 7 of 8). CBPS. https://cbps.in