India's focus on nutritional improvement among children - according to the global hunger report | SBI PO Prelims & Mains Preparation - Bank Exams PDF Download

India, as the world's most populous nation, has made significant strides in various sectors, but malnutrition among children remains a major concern. According to the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024, India ranks 105th out of 127 countries, with a score of 27.3, indicating a serious hunger situation. The report highlights that a substantial portion of Indian children suffer from undernutrition, stunting, and wasting. Poor nutrition in childhood leads to lifelong cognitive and physical challenges, affecting productivity and economic growth. Recognizing this, the Indian government has launched several initiatives to address malnutrition and improve child health.

The Global Hunger Index assesses countries based on four indicators: undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting, and child mortality. According to the 2024 report, India's child wasting rate (18.7%) remains one of the highest globally, while stunting affects around 35.5% of children under five. Despite economic growth, India continues to struggle with nutritional security, making it essential to implement focused interventions.

To combat malnutrition, the government has implemented several policies and programs. Poshan Abhiyaan, launched in 2018, aims to reduce malnutrition by improving monitoring, promoting behavioral change, and strengthening the implementation of nutrition programs. The Mid-Day Meal Scheme, now rebranded as PM POSHAN, provides free meals to school children, improving both nutrition and school attendance. However, recent reports suggest that high food inflation has led to reduced meal quality, impacting nearly 120 million children. The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme offers supplementary nutrition, immunization, and pre-school education through Anganwadi centers. Additionally, the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) was extended for five years in 2024 to ensure food security for approximately 813.5 million beneficiaries.

Despite these efforts, several challenges persist. Poor implementation and leakages in schemes like ICDS and PM POSHAN hinder effectiveness. Gender disparity remains a concern, with malnutrition disproportionately affecting girls due to socio-cultural factors limiting their access to nutritious food. The urban-rural divide further exacerbates the issue, with rural areas and marginalized communities struggling with access to quality food and healthcare. High food inflation, averaging 6.3% between 2020 and 2024, has strained nutrition programs, forcing many schools to cut back on the quality and quantity of meals provided to children. Climate change also impacts food security, as erratic weather patterns, droughts, and floods disrupt food supply chains.

In recent years, there have been global examples of successful nutrition programs. Countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam have made significant progress through targeted community nutrition programs and enhanced public awareness. Inspired by such models, the Indian government has allocated more resources to maternal and child health in the Union Budget 2024. Collaborations with international organizations like UNICEF and WHO have also helped implement community-based nutrition programs and improve maternal care.

India's focus on improving child nutrition is evident through various government schemes and international collaborations. While progress has been made, challenges like implementation gaps, gender disparities, and economic constraints remain hurdles. The Global Hunger Index serves as a reminder that despite economic advancements, nutritional security needs sustained efforts. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." It is through collective effort, better policy implementation, and community participation that India can ensure a healthier future for its children. Addressing malnutrition is not just a social responsibility but a step toward a stronger and more developed nation.