Slum kids prefer fast food

Chennai: Over 55 per cent of slum children below the age of six suffer from malnutrition in Chennai, a study by Child Rights and You (CRY) said.

About 58 per cent children in Chennai slums are enrolled in Anganwadi centres.

The survey also shows that most slum children belonging to migrant families bear the maximum impact of urban poverty.

According to professor Andrew Sesuraj M,. state convener for Tamil Nadu Child Rights Observatory, when it comes to very less number of enrollment in anganwadi centres the parents prefer private centres.

About 62 per cent of children in slums are underweight. Even if children have access to nutritive food, they prefer fast food, said Sesuraj.

"Not all children consume anganwadi centres food. Sometimes they eat from roadside food outlets. This is the reason for children being underweight," he said.

Suma Ravi, regional director (south) CRY said, "If we as a nation do not prioritize investment in rights of children below six years of age, the consequences would be manifested not just in childhood but will pose an impediment in adult life."