New Delhi: A government report has revealed that over one-third of Indian children aged 5-9 may have high triglyceride levels, with Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal, and several northeastern states showing the highest prevalence.
The report estimates that more than 67% of children in West Bengal, 64% in Sikkim, 55% in Nagaland, 57% in Assam, and 50% in Jammu and Kashmir have elevated triglycerides — a type of blood fat linked to an increased risk of heart disease later in life. Kerala and Maharashtra recorded the lowest prevalence, at 16.6% and 19.1% respectively.
Titled Children in India 2025, this is the fourth edition of the report since its launch in 2008. It was released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation during the 29th Conference of Central and State Statistical Organisations (CoCSSO) on September 25 in Chandigarh. According to the ministry, the report “provides a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the well-being of children in the country.”
The findings are based on data from government surveys and programs, including the National Family Health Survey (2019-21) and the Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (2016-18).
The report identifies prematurity and low birth weight as the leading cause of newborn deaths within the first 29 days, with a national prevalence of 48%. Birth asphyxia and trauma during delivery, followed by pneumonia, were the second and third most common causes, with prevalence rates of 16% and 9%, respectively.
Among teenagers, around 5% were classified as hypertensive, with the highest rates in Delhi (10%), Uttar Pradesh (8.6%), Manipur (8.3%), and Chhattisgarh (7%). Over 16% of adolescents in India were also estimated to have high triglycerides.
The report also covered education, child development, and child protection issues. Overall literacy among children and adolescents stood at 63.1%, while 73.1% of those aged seven and above were literate. Literacy rates by age and gender include:
- Boys: 7-9 years – 80%; 10-14 years – 92%; 15-19 years – 91%
- Girls: 7-9 years – 81.2%; 10-14 years – 90%; 15-19 years – 86.2%
