UFRJ

HUNGER IN INDIA

            A recent report which evaluates how developing countries tackle hunger is sharply critical of India.  Despite being one of the world’s emerging economies,  there are 30 million more hungry people in lndia than  there were in the 1990s.  India may be one of the world’s fastest growing economies but the benefit of its growing prosperity is  not reaching everyone. According to the Action Aid report, 46% of its children are malnourished and the number of people growing hungry is increasing instead  of coming down.  lt’s not that lndia doesn’t grow enough food - in fact it’s a major exporter of farm produce, The problem is that many people, especially poor communities, cannot access it for a variety of reasons, induding rising food prices and poor distribution.  Government schemes, such as mondatory school meals, have not been effectively implemented across the country. And large-scale migration of people seeking work or displaced by large development schemes, such as dams or industrial projects, is adding to the problem. lnvoriably women and children are the most vulnerable.

            But there are some positive signs. A landmark rural jobs programme launched four years ago is showing some signs of success in battling poverty. Analysts say it now needs to be persisted with and spread out to more parts of the country.

                                                                  Sanjoy Majumder, BBC News, Delhi