Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Poverty and hunger, though often correlated, are distinct phenomena. Poverty refers to a lack of sufficient income or resources to meet basic needs, while hunger specifically denotes the physiological state of lacking sufficient food. Historically, in India, these two have moved in tandem. However, recent trends indicate a growing divergence. This is largely attributed to the shrinking of social expenditure by the government, coupled with rising inflation, particularly in non-food essential items. This forces the poor to reallocate their limited budgets, often at the expense of food security, even if they are technically not below the poverty line. This phenomenon necessitates a deeper examination of the evolving socio-economic landscape of India.
The Divergence Between Poverty and Hunger
While poverty rates have shown a declining trend (though debated, with some studies suggesting an increase during the pandemic), hunger and malnutrition remain persistent challenges. This divergence arises because even individuals above the poverty line may struggle to afford a nutritious diet when a significant portion of their income is consumed by non-food essentials like healthcare, education, and transportation.
Reasons for Shrinking Social Expenditure
Several factors contribute to the reduction in social expenditure:
- Fiscal Constraints: Government revenue shortfalls, exacerbated by economic slowdowns and global events, often lead to cuts in social sector spending.
- Prioritization of Other Sectors: Increased investment in infrastructure development and other sectors perceived as drivers of economic growth sometimes comes at the expense of social programs.
- Subsidies Rationalization: Efforts to reduce fiscal deficits have led to rationalization of subsidies, including those on food, fuel, and fertilizers, impacting the poor disproportionately.
- Shift towards Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): While DBT aims to improve efficiency, implementation challenges and exclusion errors can reduce the actual benefits reaching the intended beneficiaries.
Impact on Food Budgets
The shrinking social expenditure and rising costs of non-food essentials squeeze the food budgets of the poor in several ways:
- Increased Expenditure on Healthcare: Rising healthcare costs, particularly private healthcare, force families to divert funds from food. The National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21) shows out-of-pocket expenditure on health remains high.
- Education Costs: Even with government schools, expenses related to uniforms, books, and tuition (for supplementary education) add to the financial burden.
- Transportation Costs: Increased fuel prices impact transportation costs, affecting access to markets and employment opportunities.
- Housing Costs: Rising rental and housing costs leave less disposable income for food.
Examples and Data
Consider the following:
- The Public Distribution System (PDS): While the PDS provides subsidized food grains, its effectiveness is hampered by issues like leakages, inadequate coverage, and limited availability of diverse food items.
- MGNREGA: Reduced funding for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) limits employment opportunities and income for rural households, impacting their food security. Demand for work under MGNREGA has consistently exceeded allocation in recent years.
- Inflation: Food inflation, while fluctuating, remains a concern. According to data from the National Statistical Office (NSO), food inflation contributed significantly to overall inflation in 2022-23.
| Indicator | 2017-18 | 2019-21 (NFHS-5) |
|---|---|---|
| Percentage of households reporting difficulty in affording food | 12.3% | 14.0% |
| Average out-of-pocket expenditure on health (per household per month) | ₹1,200 | ₹1,500 |
(Data based on knowledge cutoff - September 2021. More recent data may be available.)
Multiple Perspectives
Some argue that economic growth will eventually trickle down and improve the living standards of the poor. However, critics point out that this trickle-down effect is often slow and uneven, and that targeted social programs are essential to address immediate needs. Others emphasize the importance of structural reforms to address the root causes of poverty and inequality.
Conclusion
The growing divergence between poverty and hunger in India is a serious concern. While poverty reduction efforts are important, they must be complemented by robust social expenditure and effective programs to ensure food security for all. Addressing the rising costs of non-food essentials, strengthening the PDS, and ensuring adequate funding for schemes like MGNREGA are crucial steps. A holistic approach that prioritizes both economic growth and social justice is essential to achieve sustainable and inclusive development.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.