Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh says the country’s malnutrition rate is a matter of “national shame,” with 42 percent of children under the age of five underweight.

Mr. Singh Tuesday released results of the Hunger and Malnutrition Survey, which monitored 73,000 households across nine Indian states.

The survey found that nearly 60 percent of children under age five were stunted due to inadequate nutrition during the mother’s pregnancy and the child’s early years.

The prime minister said the new findings are both “worrying and encouraging.” The survey shows a drop in the prevalence of malnutrition. But the decline is slow — less than three percent a year over the last seven years.

Despite the country’s booming economy, India ranked 67 among 84 countries on the 2010 Global Hunger Index, behind many sub-Saharan African countries.

The survey was prepared by the non-profit Naandi Foundation for the Citizens Alliance against Malnutrition. The alliance brings together volunteer groups, young lawmakers from various parties, and prominent citizens who want to turn the spotlight on a problem many say is not getting the attention it deserves.