SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir recorded a neonatal mortality rate of 10 per 1,000 live births and an under-five mortality rate of 15 per 1,000 live births, both substantially lower than the national averages of 19 and 29 respectively, according to the Sample Registration System report 2023 covering the three-year period 2021–23.
The figures, placed before Parliament by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, form part of a wider snapshot of child health across larger States and Union Territories. The SRS 2023 data shows Jammu and Kashmir performing markedly better than several States where neonatal and under-five mortality remain far higher, although the Government cautions that these national surveys cover States and UTs above certain population thresholds and are intended for broad comparative assessment.
To tackle malnutrition and child mortality, the Centre has consolidated Anganwadi services and related schemes under Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Mission Poshan 2.0. The mission emphasises a life-cycle approach: maternal nutrition, infant and young child feeding norms, prevention and treatment of severe and moderate acute malnutrition, and wellness through AYUSH-compatible practices. Key interventions listed by the Ministry include supplementary nutrition at Anganwadi centres in line with revised norms introduced in January 2023, distribution of fortified rice, weekly millet inclusion in hot cooked meals and take-home rations, and outreach activities such as Poshan Maahs and Poshan Pakhwadas to drive behaviour change.
Technology and monitoring have been given prominence. The Poshan Tracker application is being used to monitor stunting, wasting and underweight prevalence and to track delivery of services at Anganwadi centres in near real time. For last-mile accountability, a facial recognition system has been rolled out for distribution of take-home rations to ensure benefits reach registered beneficiaries. The Ministry also reports that 2 lakh Anganwadi centres have been approved for upgradation as Saksham Anganwadis nationwide to strengthen early childhood care and development infrastructure.
The Government has coupled these measures with training and management protocols. Under Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi, Master Trainers cascade training to Anganwadi workers; as of 30 November 2025 some 895,814 Anganwadi workers have been trained nationally. Clinical management steps include a joint protocol with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for Community Management of Malnutrition to prevent and treat severe acute malnutrition and reduce associated morbidity and mortality.
While Jammu and Kashmir’s SRS indicators show a positive gap against national averages, the Ministry’s material makes clear that implementation and outcomes remain the responsibility of State and Union Territory administrations. The Centre’s programmes provide technical and financial support, but the effectiveness of interventions on the ground will depend on sustained state-level delivery, monitoring and community uptake.
