Q.7 There is a growing divergence in the relationship between poverty and hunger in India. The shrinking of social expenditure by the government is forcing the poor to spend more on non-food essential items squeezing their food – budget.- Elucidate. 

Model Answer:

Introduction

Ans: The relationship between poverty and hunger in India has become increasingly complex, particularly in recent years. As social expenditure by the government shrinks, the poor are compelled to allocate a larger portion of their limited resources to non-food essential items, which in turn constricts their food budgets. 

Body

Divergence between poverty and hunger 

1. Rising Costs of Non-Food Essentials

• Healthcare: The out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare has surged. For instance, a study by the World Bank found that nearly 62 million people fall into poverty each year due to healthcare costs. Families facing health emergencies often divert funds from food to cover medical bills, resulting in inadequate nutrition.
• Education: With the push towards privatization in education, families are increasingly burdened with tuition fees and related costs. In rural areas, parents often forgo meals to afford school supplies or transportation, directly impacting food security.

2. Urbanization and Housing Costs

• Rent and Utilities: As more people migrate to urban areas in search of better opportunities, the cost of living rises. In cities like Mumbai and Delhi, skyrocketing rents force families to spend significantly on housing, leaving little for food. A survey by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) indicated that urban households spend nearly 50% of their income on housing and utilities.

3. Inflation and Food Prices

• Food Inflation: The prices of staple foods like pulses, vegetables, and cereals have seen significant increases. According to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), food inflation can spike due to supply chain disruptions or agricultural shocks. For example, the rise in onion prices during monsoon season can lead to a ripple effect, where families cut down on other food items, exacerbating hunger.

4. Employment Patterns and Income Disparities

• Informal Employment: A large percentage of the Indian workforce is employed informally, with unstable wages and no job security. During the pandemic, many daily wage workers faced layoffs, leading to immediate food insecurity. Reports showed that 90% of these workers had to reduce their food intake due to loss of income.

5. Social Safety Nets and Their Limitations

• Public Distribution System (PDS): While the PDS aims to provide subsidized food, many households report issues like corruption, lack of access, and inadequate supply. A study found that up to 40% of eligible families do not receive their entitled rations, forcing them to purchase food at market prices, which are often inflated.

6. Shifts in Dietary Patterns

• Nutritional Quality: As families struggle to make ends meet, they often prioritize calorie intake over nutritional quality. The 2019 Global Nutrition Report highlighted that while calorie consumption might remain stable, the intake of essential nutrients like proteins and vitamins declines. For example, families may switch from purchasing protein-rich pulses to cheaper carbohydrates, worsening malnutrition.

Conclusion

The divergence between poverty and hunger in India reflects a multifaceted crisis driven by rising costs of non-food essentials, urbanization, inflation, employment instability, and inadequate social safety nets. Addressing this issue requires comprehensive policy reforms focused on increasing social expenditure, ensuring stable employment, and enhancing food security measures to allow vulnerable populations to maintain both their basic needs for food and other essential expenditures.

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