The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is a critical tool for assessing and addressing hunger worldwide. It offers valuable insights into the state of hunger, its root causes, and the progress being made to eradicate it. The recently released GHI for 2023 sheds light on India's performance, the methodology used, and the efforts being undertaken to combat this persistent challenge.
Measuring Hunger
The GHI is a comprehensive index that ranks countries based on their performance in combating hunger. It utilizes a 100-point scale, where 0 indicates no hunger, and 100 represents the worst hunger. It considers four key indicators: undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting, and child mortality. This multidimensional approach enables a holistic assessment of hunger's prevalence and severity.
India's GHI Performance
India's GHI ranking in 2023 stands at 111 out of 125 countries, a concerning position that indicates the severity of hunger in the nation. India's GHI score is 28.7, categorizing its hunger situation as "serious." However, it's important to note that India's progress in the fight against hunger has nearly stalled since 2015, mirroring a global trend of slow improvements.
India's Strides and Challenges
Between 2000 and 2015, India made significant strides in reducing hunger, with its GHI score improving from 38.4 to 29.2. However, over the past eight years, the country's progress has been minimal, with an advancement of only 0.5 points. This stagnation can be attributed to various factors, including economic challenges, climate change impacts, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Government Response
The Indian government has consistently contested the GHI rankings, citing a flawed methodology. One of its objections is the use of a telephone-based opinion poll to calculate undernourishment, which the GHI denies, stating that it relies on data from India's Food Balance Sheet for this indicator. Discrepancies in data sources have been a point of contention between India and the GHI.
Efforts to Eradicate Hunger
India has taken several initiatives to combat hunger.
1. National Food Security Act (NFSA):
Enacted in 2013, NFSA aims to provide subsidized food grains to a large section of India’s population. Under this act, eligible beneficiaries are entitled to receive food at affordable prices through the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).
2. Mid-Day Meal Scheme:
Launched in 1995, this scheme provides free and nutritious meals to school children to improve their nutritional status and encourage regular school attendance. It has been instrumental in addressing hunger among school-going children.
3. Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS):
ICDS is a crucial program aimed at improving the health and nutrition of children under the age of six, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. It provides supplementary nutrition, immunization, health check-ups, and more.
4. Poshan Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission):
Launched in 2018, Poshan Abhiyaan is a comprehensive initiative that focuses on improving maternal and child nutrition. It includes components like the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) for pregnant women and the portion of nutritious food for children.
5. Annapurna Scheme:
Under this scheme, free cooked food is provided to senior citizens who are eligible for old-age pension but are not receiving it. This initiative helps ensure that vulnerable elderly citizens have access to regular meals.
6. Public Distribution System (PDS):
PDS is a cornerstone of food security in India, providing essential commodities like rice, wheat, and sugar to eligible families at subsidized rates. It plays a pivotal role in ensuring food access for low-income households.
7. Eat Right India Movement:
The "Eat Right India" movement, with its tagline "Sahi Bhojan. Behtar Jeevan," is a comprehensive initiative by FSSAI to ensure the availability of safe and sustainable food for all Indians. It takes an integrative approach, involving government ministries and stakeholders to address food-related issues comprehensively, aligning with national health policies and flagship programs. This movement focuses on both regulatory and collaborative efforts to improve the quality of food in India for the benefit of public health and the environment.
The Role of Global Crises
The GHI 2023 report emphasizes that global hunger stagnation is driven by a combination of overlapping crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic challenges, climate change, and intractable conflicts. These factors have led to increased costs of living and exhausted coping capacity in many countries.
Conclusion
The Global Hunger Index is a valuable tool in assessing hunger on a global scale. India's performance in the GHI has remained stagnant in recent years, indicating the challenges it faces in eradicating hunger. While the government disputes the rankings, it is essential to focus on addressing the root causes of hunger, including food security, nutrition, and economic stability, to make meaningful progress in the fight against hunger. Combating hunger is a collective responsibility, and global efforts are crucial in making a difference in the lives of millions of people who still suffer from food insecurity.
Source: The Hindu | Eat Right India
Note for UPSC Aspirants: For UPSC aspirants interested in exploring further, here are some keywords to guide your research: Malnutrition, Wasting, Stunting, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Hidden Hunger, Green Revolution, Organic Farming.
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