Human Resource & Human Capital

Model Answer

Introduction

Poverty and malnutrition are interconnected issues that create a vicious cycle adversely affecting human capital formation in India. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that targets the root causes of malnutrition and poverty.

How Poverty and Malnutrition Create a Vicious Cycle

1. Economic Barriers to Nutrition: Economic limitations restrict access to nutritious food, particularly for vulnerable populations. For instance, the 2023 Global Hunger Index ranks India 111th out of 125 countries, highlighting significant nutritional deficiencies due to economic disparities.
2. Developmental Impacts of Malnutrition: Malnutrition during early childhood impairs physical and cognitive development, leading to lifelong negative effects on productivity. Approximately 35% of children under six are stunted, according to the Poshan Tracker.
3. Healthcare Costs of Malnutrition: Malnourished individuals face higher susceptibility to diseases, increasing healthcare costs and draining family resources. A study by the Public Health Foundation of India indicates that malnutrition raises the risk of diseases like tuberculosis, leading to economic strain.
4. Educational Limitations: Cognitive delays caused by malnutrition reduce educational attainment, limiting future employment opportunities and perpetuating socio-economic disparities across generations.
5. Productivity Loss: A malnourished workforce contributes less to national productivity, hindering overall economic growth. The World Bank estimates that India loses 2-3% of its GDP annually due to undernutrition in children under two.

Steps to Break the Cycle

1. National Nutrition Strategies: Strengthen initiatives like the Poshan Abhiyan to reduce stunting and undernutrition among children.
2. Enhanced Public Distribution System: Improve the Public Distribution System (PDS) to ensure consistent access to food grains for economically vulnerable populations.
3. Mid-Day Meal Program Enhancement: Expand the Mid-Day Meal Scheme to provide nutritious meals in schools, improving child nutrition and educational outcomes.
4. Empowerment through Education and Employment: Focus on women’s education and employment to improve family nutrition and health outcomes.
5. Public-Private Partnerships: Foster partnerships to enhance food storage, processing, and distribution, reducing food wastage and improving market access for farmers.
6. Community Nutrition Education: Implement community-driven education programs on nutrition and sustainable agriculture to promote better dietary practices.

By adopting these strategies, India can effectively address the intertwined issues of poverty and malnutrition, enhancing human capital and promoting sustainable development.