Roadmap for Answer Writing
Introduction
- Contextual Background: Introduce the growing divergence between poverty and hunger in India.
- Thesis Statement: State that shrinking social expenditure is a significant factor forcing the poor to allocate more of their income to non-food essentials, thereby squeezing their food budgets.
Body
1. Understanding the Divergence
- Define the Issue: Explain the difference between poverty reduction and hunger levels.
- Current Statistics: Mention India’s ranking on the Global Hunger Index (GHI) and the implications of this ranking. (Source: Global Hunger Index 2020.)
2. Trends in Poverty and Hunger
- Poverty Reduction: Note the decline in poverty rates over recent years.
- Persisting Hunger: Discuss how hunger levels remain high despite poverty reduction, highlighting child malnutrition statistics (wasting and stunting). (Source: Global Hunger Index.)
3. Impact of Shrinking Social Expenditure
- Fiscal Constraints: Explain the reasons for reduced government spending on social services (healthcare, education, housing).
- Trend Data: Provide statistics on government spending as a percentage of GDP related to these sectors. (Source: Oxfam India report.)
4. Consequences for the Poor
- Increased Non-Food Spending: Discuss how the poor are forced to spend more on non-food essentials due to inadequate public services.
- Squeezed Food Budgets: Explain the impact of this spending shift on food access and nutritional quality.
- Real-Life Example: Illustrate with a specific example of how families are affected.
Conclusion
- Recap Key Points: Summarize the main arguments regarding the divergence between poverty and hunger due to shrinking social expenditure.
- Final Thought: Emphasize the need for increased social spending to ensure food security and alleviate hunger among vulnerable populations.
The divergence between poverty and hunger in India highlights a critical issue: while poverty levels may appear to decrease, hunger persists due to shifting expenditure patterns among the poor.
Growing Divergence:
Conclusion: Effective policy must balance social expenditure to ensure that poverty reduction translates into improved food security. Prioritizing comprehensive support programs can help bridge the gap between poverty alleviation and hunger eradication.
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.