Another interesting finding from the survey was that prevalence of child malnutrition is significantly higher among children of mothers with little or no education. It was seen that 55 percent of mothers never went to school while 84 percent had never heard of "malnutrition". As for the hygiene and sanitation aspect it was noted that child wasting, underweight and stunting was higher in households without a toilet. It was also noted that only 55 percent women took their children to a trained doctor when he or she was ill with only 11 percent families using soap to wash their hands before meals.

Addressing the malnourishment issue in India, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said "The survey reports high levels of malnutrition, despite impressive growth in our GDP. But it also indicates that one child in five has reached an acceptable healthy weight during the last seven years in 100 focus districts. This 20% decline in malnourishment is better than the rate of decline reported in National Family Health Survey 3”, as reported by The Economic Times.

The PM also said that the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), which is the government's most important tool to fight malnutrition, can no longer be relied on solely. He added that "We need to focus on districts where malnutrition levels are high and where conditions causing malnutrition prevail. Policy makers need to clearly understand many linkages -- between education and health, between sanitation and hygiene, between drinking water and nutrition - and then shape their responses accordingly.”

With a view to curb the malnutrition issue Singh said a multi-sectoral programme to combat malnutrition will be rolled out in 200 high-burden districts. A re-launch of a strengthened ICDS is also being planned. India also has planned to initiate a nationwide communication campaign against malnutrition.