General Studies (Paper - 2) : Model Question & Answers

Question: “Hidden hunger is the major challenge for India.” Discuss the statement in the light of recent Global Hunger Index. Add a note on India’s effort to achieve food security.

Answer: Global hunger index and its rankings reflect the status of food security in a particular country. It is based on four factors - stunting, wasting, under nourishment and child mortality. GHI – 2015 specifically referred to the growing hidden hunger in India. That is, micro nutrient deficiencies such as anemia, goiter, night blindness etc.

Nutritional transition in India where food habits are moving from minimally processed food to highly processed, calorific, micro nutrient poor foods can be cited as a reason. Excessive stress on high yielding staple crops such as rice and wheat has also worsened the stress on micro nutrient rich food. Food inflation, lack of sufficient information, education on balanced nutrition can be cited as other reasons.

In contrast to the above, report took a positive opinion on India s effort to raise its food security. PDS system, NRHM, Midday meal program, ICDS scheme, Antyodaya anna yojana all are the steps in ensuring food security. Here the criticism is that Indian planning was centered on carbohydrate security rather than nutritional security as a whole. Added to this, leakages in PDS, improper targeting need to be addressed. In this context, reforms initiated in Chhattisgarh for protein malnutrition, Universal PDS system can provide a direction.