Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Define hunger and its significance in the Indian context. Introduce the debate on whether the lack of food availability is the main cause of hunger or if it diverts attention from ineffective human development policies. State your position ...
Model Answer Introduction India has witnessed a growing divergence between poverty and hunger, where reductions in poverty rates do not correspond with declines in hunger levels. A critical factor in this divergence is the shrinking social expenditure by the government, which compels the poor to speRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
India has witnessed a growing divergence between poverty and hunger, where reductions in poverty rates do not correspond with declines in hunger levels. A critical factor in this divergence is the shrinking social expenditure by the government, which compels the poor to spend more on non-food essentials, thereby squeezing their food budgets.
Body
1. Trends in Poverty and Hunger
While poverty rates have decreased in India, hunger remains a pressing issue. According to the Global Hunger Index 2020, India ranks 94th out of 107 countries, indicating a serious level of hunger. The report highlights alarming rates of child wasting and stunting, reflecting ongoing malnutrition issues.
2. Impact of Shrinking Social Expenditure
The decline in government social expenditure is a primary driver of this divergence. Fiscal constraints and changing policy priorities have led to reduced investments in essential social services such as healthcare, education, and housing. A report by Oxfam India points out that spending on health, education, and social protection as a percentage of GDP has been consistently declining.
3. Consequences for the Poor
This reduction in social spending disproportionately impacts the poor, who rely heavily on public services for their basic needs. As a result, they are forced to allocate a larger portion of their income to non-food essentials like healthcare and education. Consequently, less income is available for food, leading to a squeezed food budget. This situation exacerbates inadequate access to nutritious food, further increasing hunger and malnutrition among vulnerable populations.
Conclusion
To address the growing divergence between poverty and hunger in India, it is essential to enhance social expenditure. Adequate investment in social services will empower the poor to access essential needs without compromising their food budgets. Such measures are crucial for alleviating hunger and fostering inclusive, sustainable development outcomes.
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Model Answer Introduction The 2022 Global Hunger Index ranks India 107th out of 121 countries, revealing a critical hunger crisis. With the world’s highest child wasting rate at 19.3%, the issue extends beyond mere food scarcity. It is a complex interplay of socio-economic factors, health and sanitaRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The 2022 Global Hunger Index ranks India 107th out of 121 countries, revealing a critical hunger crisis. With the world’s highest child wasting rate at 19.3%, the issue extends beyond mere food scarcity. It is a complex interplay of socio-economic factors, health and sanitation issues, and human development policies. Therefore, a comprehensive approach is vital to holistically address India’s hunger challenge.
Impact of Ineffective Human Development Policies
1. Education
Limited access to quality education severely impacts individuals’ ability to make informed choices about nutrition and health. Poor implementation of The Right to Education Act has resulted in low literacy rates, which correlates with limited knowledge of health and nutrition. According to the National Sample Survey, illiteracy contributes significantly to cycles of hunger and malnutrition .
2. Health
Weak healthcare infrastructure exacerbates hunger and malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable groups like pregnant women and children. Despite initiatives like the National Health Mission, shortages of healthcare professionals and restricted access to primary healthcare in rural areas contribute to high maternal and child mortality rates. The Registrar General of India reports that maternal mortality remains a pressing issue, largely tied to inadequate healthcare services.
3. Social Protection
Insufficient social protection programs hinder support for vulnerable populations, pushing them deeper into poverty. For instance, the Public Distribution System (PDS), intended to provide subsidized food, suffers from leakages and corruption, limiting its efficacy in reducing hunger. A study by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) indicates that inefficiencies in PDS undermine food security efforts.
Interconnectedness of Food Availability and Human Development Policies
While policies like the National Food Security Act aim to provide subsidized food, their effectiveness hinges on coordination with human development policies. Additionally, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has improved rural connectivity, enhancing access to markets, healthcare, and education, thus contributing to overall well-being.
Conclusion
Focusing solely on food availability as the main cause of hunger overshadows the critical role of ineffective human development policies. A comprehensive approach that integrates food security with education, health, social protection, and infrastructure development is essential to effectively tackle hunger and malnutrition in India.
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