Ethics Theory, TLP-UPSC Mains Answer Writing
Q. 2. How far do you agree that focusing solely on food availability as a cause of hunger diverts attention from failures in human development policy? Illustrate with examples from India’s recent experience. (150 words, 10 marks)
Introduction
India produces surplus food, yet ranks poorly on the Global Hunger Index. This paradox shows that hunger is less about availability and more about human development failures in health, sanitation, income, and education.
Body
Why Focusing Solely on Food Availability is Misleading
- India’s Food Surplus Paradox: India has enough food in stock, but still performs poorly in the Global Hunger Index, ranking 105 out of 127 countries in 2024.
- Invisible Hunger and Malnutrition: Many children are still malnourished because of poor health, lack of clean surroundings, and low-quality diets.
- Ineffective Targeting and Leakages: Many people like migrants and the homeless are still left out of food distribution systems.
These instances show that food is available but not always accessible or nutritiously adequate, pointing to deeper governance issues.
Failures in Human Development Policy Worsening Hunger
- Lack of Nutritional Awareness: Many women don’t have proper information about what makes a healthy diet.
- Poor Sanitation and Health Services: Dirty surroundings and lack of health care cause diseases, which prevent the body from using food properly.
- Income Poverty and Livelihood Deficits: People without stable jobs or income struggle to afford food.
- Education and Gender Gaps: Educated mothers are more likely to care better for their children’s nutrition and hygiene.
- Underfunding of Nutrition Schemes: Government nutrition programs often don’t get enough funds or staff to work effectively.
These failures highlight that hunger is multidimensional and tied to the broader human development ecosystem.
Way Forward
- Holistic Nutrition Approach: Integrate food security with WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), maternal care, and health infrastructure.
- Strengthen POSHAN 2.0: Improve monitoring and coordination between ministries to ensure timely delivery and impact.
- Social Safety Nets for Migrants: Implement One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) and mobile PDS units effectively.
- Enhance Livelihood Security: Expand MGNREGA and urban employment schemes to strengthen food access through income.
- Invest in Behavioural Change: Launch awareness campaigns on nutrition, hygiene, and feeding practices.
Monitor Multidimensional Indicators: Adopt a Hunger Index tailored to Indian states tracking sanitation, gender, health, and education alongside food intake.
Conclusion
Hunger in India is not just about food—it reflects a failure in holistic human development. Addressing it requires multi-sectoral interventions beyond food availability, aligned with SDG 2 and other interlinked Sustainable Development Goals.
