The nutritional deficiency condition that needs to be given top priority for remedial action in India today is

1. The question asks which nutritional deficiency condition was a top priority for remedial action in India around the time of the question (1996). 2. Scurvy (Vitamin C deficiency), Rickets (Vitamin D deficiency), Xerophthalmia (Vitamin A deficiency), and Pellagra (Niacin/Vitamin B3 deficiency) are all significant nutritional deficiencies. 3. However, Xerophthalmia, caused by severe Vitamin A deficiency, was a major public health problem in India, being a leading cause of preventable childhood blindness. 4. National programs for Vitamin A supplementation were prioritized to combat this condition. Therefore, Xerophthalmia needed top priority for remedial action.