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.

The NFHS-V survey reported a grim picture of hunger and malnutrition in children with 35% stunting, 32% undernutrition, 19% wasting and 67% anaemia under the age of 5.

Hunger and Poverty are linked in a vicious cycle: Therefore, both on an individual and a national level, hunger and poverty supplement each other in a downward spiral.

India is still tackling this cycle by attacking both hunger and poverty, but overall is still a low performer in the Global Hunger Index (serious hunger), or the Global Gender Gap Index (dead last @ 146 rank in health of women).

There are many schemes to tackle these, which have significantly improved our standing:

performer in the Global Hunger Index (serious hunger), or the Global Gender Gap Index (dead last @ 146 rank in health of women).

There are many schemes to tackle these, which have significantly improved our standing:

→ PM Poshan : Provides nutrition to both children and pregnant women through money transfer, food fortification, awareness of breastfeeding through anganwadis.

→ Mid Day Meal scheme for school going children provides nutrition and reduces drop-out rates.

→ MGNREGA, PMGKY tackle poverty by providing cash and guranted work to all adults.

→ Crop diversification and including millets in people's diet provides nutrition while being sustainable for the environment.