What Does It State About India?
India has a "serious" level of hunger, ranking 105th out of 127 countries with a score of 27.3.
Key statistics include:
13.7% of the population is undernourished.
35.5% of children are stunted (chronically undernourished).
18.7% of children are wasted (acute malnutrition).
2.9% of children die before their fifth birthday.
India has the highest child wasting rate globally
The report acknowledges India's efforts through initiatives like the National Food Security Act but indicates room for improvement, particularly in maternal nutrition impacting child health.
What About India’s GDP Growth?
The report highlights that increased GDP growth does not guarantee improved food security for all.
It emphasizes the need for policies focused on pro-poor development and addressing social and economic inequalities.
What Solutions Does It Propose?
Improve programs like the Public Distribution Scheme (PDS) and cash transfers.
Focus on specific nutritional needs, especially for mothers and children.
Promote diversified, nutritious, and ecological food production, including nutri-cereals like millets.
Enhance water, sanitation, hygiene, and overall health interventions.
Address connections between food, nutrition, gender, and climate change.
What Is the Debate About Data Collection Methodology?
The Ministry of Women and Child Development raised concerns about the GHI not using data from the "Poshan Tracker," which suggests lower child wasting rates (below 7.2%).
Researchers argue that the GHI relies on vetted survey estimates for consistency across countries.
They contend that deviating from established data sources could compromise comparability and accuracy in results.
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