Hindu Editorial Analysis : 22-August-2023
India, the world’s second-most populous country, has made remarkable strides in reducing poverty over the past few years. However, despite these achievements, the persistent issue of malnutrition remains a daunting challenge. This essay explores India’s achievements in poverty reduction, its ongoing struggles with malnutrition, the causes of malnutrition, and potential solutions to address this pressing issue.
India’s Achievements
Poverty & Hunger
India has made substantial progress in alleviating poverty. According to the Multi-dimensional Poverty Index (MDPI) by NITI Aayog, between 2015-16 and 2019-21, the country lifted 135 million people out of poverty. This achievement is commendable, considering that at the time of independence, more than 80 percent of the population lived in extreme poverty. Today, based on MDPI, only around 15 percent remain in poverty, and about 11 percent based on an income criterion of $2.15 PPP.
The UNDP estimates that India lifted a staggering 415 million people out of poverty (MDPI) from 2005-06 to 2019-21. These statistics suggest that India is on track to nearly eradicate poverty within the next decade.
Revolutionizing India
India’s transformation is not limited to poverty alleviation; it extends to its food production capabilities:
- Green Revolution: This revolution turned India from a net importer of food to the largest exporter of rice. It enabled the distribution of free rice or wheat to over 800 million people under the PM Garib Kalyan Yojana, improving their access to basic staples.
- White Revolution: India emerged as the world’s largest milk producer, with 222 million tons of milk, surpassing the USA.
- Gene Revolution: Introduction of Bt cotton made India the largest cotton producer globally.
Challenges
Malnutrition
Despite India’s successes, the issue of malnutrition persists, particularly among children under five years old. As per NFHS-5 (2019-21), 32 percent of children were underweight, 35 percent stunted, and 19 percent wasted. While infant mortality rates have improved from 57 per 1,000 in 2005-06 to 35 per 1,000 in 2019-21, progress in other malnutrition indicators remains unsatisfactory.
Climate Change & Food Insecurity
Climate change and extreme weather events pose a significant threat to India’s food system and poverty reduction efforts. These shocks could reverse the progress made in these areas.
Non-communicable Diseases
Rising non-communicable diseases, particularly among the growing middle class, are closely linked to diet and nutrition.
Causes of Malnutrition
The causes of malnutrition in India are multifaceted:
- Calorific Deficiency: Despite food surpluses, improper allocation and distribution result in calorific deficiencies. Budgetary allocations are often underutilized.
- Protein Deficiency: Lack of budgetary allocation for pulses in the Public Distribution System (PDS) and the removal of eggs from Mid-day Meals hinder efforts to address protein deficiency.
- Micronutrient Deficiency (Hidden Hunger): India faces a severe crisis in micronutrient deficiency, driven by poor diets and inadequate micronutrient intake during pregnancy and lactation.
Suggestions
To combat malnutrition effectively, India should consider the following measures:
- Access to Nutritious Food: Prioritize adequate and affordable nutritious food for young children, moving away from considering it merely “complementary.”
- Improved Assessments: Utilize household-level food insecurity modules developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization to measure food insecurity among Indian households.
- Evidence-Based Policy: Develop evidence-based policies to end hunger and enhance nutritional security, especially for disadvantaged populations.
- Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana: Expand and enhance this program to eliminate food insecurity and ensure access to nutritionally diverse food, with a focus on children.
Government Interventions
The Indian government has initiated several programs to address malnutrition and improve food security, including:
- Eat Right India Movement: Encouraging citizens to adopt healthy eating habits.
- POSHAN Abhiyan: Targeting the reduction of stunting, undernutrition, and anemia.
- Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana: Providing maternity benefits.
- Food Fortification: Enhancing nutritional content in staple foods.
- National Food Security Act, 2013: Providing subsidized food grains.
- Mission Indradhanush: Immunization for children and pregnant women.
- Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme: Offering services to children aged 0-6 years and pregnant/lactating mothers.
Why In News
India’s remarkable achievement of lifting 135 million people out of poverty has undoubtedly transformed countless lives, yet the persistent challenge of malnutrition continues to cast a shadow on the nation’s progress, reminding us that there is still work to be done to ensure holistic well-being for all its citizens.
MCQs about India’s Progress and Challenges in Combating Poverty and Malnutrition
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Which government program aims to reduce stunting, undernutrition, and anemia in India?
A. POSHAN Abhiyan
B. Mission Indradhanush
C. Food Fortification
D. Integrated Child Development Services
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What is the primary cause of malnutrition in India referred to as “hidden hunger”?
A. Calorific deficiency
B. Protein deficiency
C. Micronutrient deficiency
D. Carbohydrate deficiency
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Which agricultural revolution significantly contributed to India becoming the largest exporter of rice?
A. Gene Revolution
B. White Revolution
C. Green Revolution
D. Yellow Revolution
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