Vulnerable Sections

Model Answer

Introduction

India faces a pressing challenge with 5.9 million infants classified as ‘zero food’ children—those aged 6 to 23 months who have not consumed significant calories in 24 hours. Alarmingly, the percentage of these children increased from 17.2% in 2016 to 17.8% in 2021. This situation underscores the critical need to prioritize maternal nutrition for several reasons.

Importance of Maternal Nutrition

1. Crucial First 1000 Days: Scientific studies indicate that the first 1000 days of an infant’s life are vital for nutritional development. Maternal health directly impacts the health of the child during this period.
2. Impact of Maternal Undernutrition: Maternal undernutrition contributes to approximately 20% of childhood stunting in India. Moreover, 20-30% of infants experience undernutrition even during the exclusive breastfeeding phase.
3. Consequences of Anaemia: According to the NFHS-5 survey, over 57% of women aged 15-49 suffer from anaemia, significantly affecting maternal and child health. India loses up to 1.18% of its GDP annually due to iron deficiency.

Strategies for Improvement

To effectively address the prevalence of ‘zero food’ children, maternal nutrition must be prioritized through:

• Increased Financial Commitment: Programs like Mission Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0 require enhanced budget allocations. In 2022-23, 32% of funds under the POSHAN Abhiyaan were not utilized.
• Empowering Frontline Health Workers: Training and motivating frontline health workers (FHWs) can enhance service delivery and nutritional outcomes.
• Focusing on Adolescent Girls: Adolescence is critical for promoting dietary diversity. A gendered perspective in the National Nutrition Mission is necessary, especially given the 5% rise in anaemia among adolescent girls noted in NFHS-5.
• Awareness Campaigns: Educating mothers about nutrition during the first 1000 days can significantly improve health outcomes and reduce gender bias.
• Addressing Hidden Hunger: With 80% of adolescents suffering from micronutrient deficiencies, it is essential to focus on not just iron and folic acid, but also vitamins B12, D, and zinc.

Conclusion

Prioritizing maternal nutrition is essential for reducing the prevalence of ‘zero food’ children in India. By implementing targeted strategies, we can break the cycle of undernutrition and pave the way for a healthier future generation, contributing to the vision of a ‘Kuposhan-Mukt Bharat’.

Model Answer

Introduction

Elderly women in India face significant challenges, including social alienation, financial dependency, health deprivation, and susceptibility to abuse. Gender plays a crucial role in these issues, and addressing them requires a multifaceted approach.

1. Social Alienation

Social exclusion is a major issue for elderly women in India, particularly following widowhood or the migration of younger family members. According to a NITI Aayog report, 2.8 million senior women in rural areas and 9% of elderly women in urban areas live alone, contributing to their isolation. Strengthening social support networks is essential. Community-based initiatives like Elderly Self-Help Groups (ESHGs) can provide spaces for social interaction and skill development, thus reducing alienation.

2. Financial Dependency

Financial dependency is another pressing concern. Many elderly women, particularly in rural areas, lack economic independence. The National Statistical Office (NSO) 2020 data reveals that only 10% of rural and 11% of urban elderly women are financially independent. To address this, expanding the National Widow Pension Scheme and ensuring transparent disbursement can provide crucial financial support. Additionally, increasing female workforce participation can help empower elderly women economically.

3. Health Deprivation

Health issues among elderly women are a significant concern, with more than 30% suffering from chronic conditions. To improve healthcare access, it is essential to strengthen the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly, with a focus on non-communicable diseases, and prioritize health insurance for older women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.

4. Susceptibility to Abuse

Elderly women are more susceptible to physical, emotional, and financial abuse. The Longitudinal Ageing Study in India highlights these issues. Strengthening legal frameworks like the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act (MWPSC), 2007, and increasing penalties for offenders can help protect elderly women.

5. Awareness and Capacity Building

Increasing awareness about rights and entitlements is critical. A survey by Agewell Foundation shows that over 95% of elderly women are digitally illiterate, which limits their access to welfare schemes. Enhancing digital literacy and running educational campaigns about legal rights, like the MWPSC Act, can significantly improve their quality of life.

In conclusion, to address the issues of elderly women in India, a combination of social protection, economic empowerment, healthcare improvement, legal safeguards, and capacity building is necessary. As India is a signatory to the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, integrating these concerns into policy will not only support elderly women but also contribute to India’s “longevity dividend.”