Overview
Recent data from NFHS‑6 (2023‑24) show that exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) has fallen sharply despite higher institutional deliveries and greater women’s empowerment.
Key Developments
- EBF rate dropped from 63.7% (NFHS‑5) to 55.8% (NFHS‑6).
- Largest declines in Uttar Pradesh (59.7% → 34.6%) and Haryana (69.5% → 41.2%).
- Rural EBF fell from 65.1% to 56.2%; urban from 59.6% to 54.5%.
- Early initiation of breastfeeding improved (41.8% → 50.1%).
- Cesarean deliveries rose from 21.5% to 27.2%.
- Women’s digital inclusion rose to 64.3% and participation in household decisions to 89%.
Important Facts
Breast‑milk supplies all nutrients for the first six months, offers antibodies against diarrhoea and respiratory infections, and supports brain development. For mothers it aids post‑partum recovery and lowers breast and ovarian cancer risk.
India’s policy framework includes the Maternity Benefit Act, PMMVY, and the IMS Act. However, these measures largely target the organised sector.
More than 16.69 crore women work in the informal economy (e‑Shram portal, 2025). They lack paid leave, crèche facilities, or lactation rooms, forcing early return to work and formula use.
Exam Relevance
Understanding the EBF decline links to multiple UPSC themes: public health outcomes (GS1), effectiveness of welfare programmes (GS3), gender and labour market dynamics (GS2), and ethical considerations of commercial formula marketing (GS4). Questions may ask to evaluate policy gaps, suggest interventions, or compare India’s performance with global standards.
Way Forward
- Extend paid maternity leave and breastfeeding breaks to the informal sector through a universal social protection scheme.
- Strengthen post‑natal counselling and community lactation support, especially in rural areas.
- Enforce the IMS Act rigorously to curb aggressive formula marketing.
- Promote workplace lactation rooms and crèches in both organised and unorganised enterprises.
- Integrate EBF indicators into existing nutrition programmes like ICDS for better monitoring.
Addressing the economic pressures on mothers, especially those in the informal sector, is essential to reverse the downward trend and achieve India’s child health goals.