The recently released Global Hunger Index-2023 data raises questions on our claims of development and progress.
If the country is not able to satisfy the hunger of its citizens in its aspiration for an egalitarian society, then it is a matter of regret.
In the recent report of Global Hunger Index, India has been ranked 111th among 125 countries of the world. It is a matter of concern that the level of hunger is in the serious category.
The report shows that the level of malnutrition of children in the country is 18.7 percent.
Undoubtedly, in such a situation, the policy makers of the country need to immediately implement effective plans to eliminate hunger and malnutrition.
However, rejecting this report of GHI, the Ministry of Women and Child Development has raised questions on the methodology of this survey.
It has also been rejected as malicious and flawed. On the other hand, the report of National Family Health Survey i.e. NFHS also indicates a worrying situation.
Which shows that the proportion of neonatal mortality and underdeveloped children has increased significantly in Maharashtra. The NFHS-5 report points to several worrying situations.
Well, it is a contradictory fact that a large part of the Indian population is not only self-sufficient in food production but also exports the remaining produce.
Due to which questions are raised on the logic of the Global Hunger Index data related to malnutrition and hunger in the country.
India is being called the fastest growing economy in the world today.
So it is natural to raise the question that how then India is being shown below Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal etc. in the statistics of malnutrition and hunger.
By the way, according to the National Poverty Index data of NITI Aayog, the percentage of people living in such poverty was about fifteen. A report by the commission in July revealed that 74 percent of people cannot buy food of healthy standards. Of course, for better nutrition, everyone must be ensured access to nutritious food, clean water and sanitary conditions.
At the current rate, it seems difficult for India to meet the target of ending hunger by 2030 in line with sustainable development standards. The question also arises that why the benefits of the country’s progress are not reaching the last person of the society.
Why are these hunger figures troubling despite all the claims of progress? Also, does the surging stock market have any connection with eradicating our poverty?
Increasing economic inequality in the country may become a challenge to law and order over time.
Policy makers will also have to consider why economic inequality is continuously increasing in the country. This is a serious challenge and demands effective solution to the problem.
