SRINAGAR: India’s position in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024, published by international NGOs including Welthungerhilfe (WHH) and Concern Worldwide, has sparked significant debate. The Index ranks India 105th out of 127 countries, a modest improvement from the 111th position among 125 nations in 2023.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development, in response to a Rajya Sabha query on December 18, 2024, dismissed the GHI as a flawed measure, asserting that it disproportionately emphasises child health indicators, which do not capture the broader realities of hunger in the general population.
According to the Ministry, data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) provides a more accurate picture of malnutrition trends in India. The NFHS-5 (2019-21) showed improvements in child malnutrition indicators compared to earlier surveys. For instance, stunting among children under five years decreased from 52 per cent in 1992-93 to 35.5 per cent in 2019-21, while underweight prevalence fell from 53.4 per cent to 32.1 per cent over the same period. However, recent Poshan Tracker data (October 2024) indicates that 37 per cent of children under six years are stunted, 17 per cent are underweight, and 5.2 per cent are wasted, underscoring the need for sustained intervention.
To address these challenges, the Government has integrated several initiatives under Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0. This scheme focuses on supplementary nutrition for children under six, pregnant and lactating women, and adolescent girls. Revised nutritional norms under the National Food Security Act, 2013, now emphasise dietary diversity, quality protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients. Measures include fortified rice distribution and greater use of millets in hot meals at Anganwadi centres.
Besides, the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) provides free food grains to over 81 crore beneficiaries, ensuring food security for vulnerable populations. The Government also claims significant progress in transitioning to fortified rice across welfare schemes to combat anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies.
While these measures aim to alleviate hunger and malnutrition, critics argue that systemic issues such as inequality and implementation challenges continue to hinder progress. The Government, however, maintains that its focus on targeted nutrition and transparency in food security programmes will contribute to improving India’s GHI ranking in the future.
