February 15, 2010 by akhilendra

India ranks 66th at hunger index

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One of the worst fact about India came out, India ranks 66^th in global hunger index. Global hunger index was released on Tuesday. India has made some progress, since last data, but still situation is alarming. According to data, India’s hunger rate fell from 32.5 in 1990, to 23.7 in 2008. 88 countries were selected for the data, congo came at 88^th. The major threat of hunger is in 33 countries, including India. Rising food prices have worsened the situation. Other south asian countries like Bangladesh scored 25.2 (70^th place), Pakistan 21.7 (61st), Nepal 20.6 points (57^th position), Sri Lanka 15 points (39^th position), Thailand 9.9 points (23^rd position), china 7.1 points (15^th), and Mauritius 5 points (1^st position).

India also conducted its first ever state hunger index, surprisingly; all states feel the problem of hunger. Three indicators were used for collection data, child malnutrition, child mortality rate & the proportion of people who were calorie deficient. Many Indian states are under the category of “alarming” levels while Madhya Pradesh is under “extremely alarming” followed by Jharkhand & Bihar. These states have most severe level of hunger. Punjab & Kerala score best in the country. But, even they come under serious category. There is no state in India which falls under “low hunger or moderate hunger” category.

Hunger is a serious problem in south asia & sub-saharan countries. Hunger is proportional to poverty. Because of poverty, poor people can’t afford to have proper food, pregnant women don’t get proper healthcare, many women dies during delivery & many women deliver malnourished children. India had huge population & Indian system is failing in taking care of them. India with huge population is facing serious problem of hunger. Children malnutrition is a major problem here. Hunger despite robust economic growth means, growth is failing in penetrating the lower section of society. Corruption plays a major role here because even if government makes a policy for poor, corrupt officers absorbs everything. India needs to ensure that every pregnant woman should have access to all resources required for her during & post pregnancy period. Medicines & nutritional product should be availed to these women through government.

Every child deserves to be taken care off. Especially, in first few years after the birth, many children are dieing before they reach 5 years of age. They are not getting nutrition which is required for their healthy life. Hospital should provide the necessary vaccination, children healthcare products. India should emphasis upon improving the health care system in rural parts of the country. Most of the people suffering from malnutrition, calorie deficiency is hailing from rural India. Condition in rural India is pathetic; there is not adequate supply of food from government stores. Whatever reaches there, is sold in black market, at a much higher price.

We have two challenges, first we have to increase the supply of food to existing stores, increase the numbers of stores & improve the overall distribution network. Second, we need to improve the basic healthcare network in India.

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