After getting a direction from Chief Minister Arjun Munda to step up 'Jeevan Asha' programme for under-nourished children, Principal Secretary (Social Welfare) Mridula Sinha informed him about the figure, the sources said.
She said a special drive has been launched to meet the requirements of these children.
Munda directed her to distribute eligibility cards to girls in every district and ensure that all children got nutritious food.