BREAK THE CYCLE OF HUNGER AND POVERTY
Hunger and poverty are two sides of the same coin. People living in poverty often suffer from hunger due to their inability to afford sufficient food, and hunger can also lead to poverty by preventing people from being able to work effectively. Many industrialized countries, such as the United States, Western Europe, and Japan, have largely eliminated poverty and hunger, but developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America still struggle with widespread poverty. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the problem in many countries, particularly in developing nations like India, where the economy has suffered and unemployment has increased. Hunger and poverty are major concerns for political leaders and policymakers because they can lead to social unrest and law and order issues. It is worth mentioning that India placed 107 out of 121 nations on the Global Hunger Index 2022.
According to estimates, around 80 crore people out of India’s population of 140 crore received free food grains during the past two years due to the pandemic. This number is likely to increase to 81.35 crores in 2023. The government of India has announced that the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojna (PMGKY) will be discontinued on December 31, and a new scheme will be implemented under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013 to distribute food grains on a monthly basis at a nominal cost. The new scheme will cover about 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population who are unable to afford food grains from the open market. The government has also divided the poor into three categories who will be eligible for food grains at a cost of Rs 1, Rs 2, and Rs 3 per kilogram under the NFSA. Unemployment and job loss are major contributing factors to hunger and poverty. Many people have lost their jobs due to the pandemic, and without an income and a lack of social security, hunger levels have been rising. Inflation and price increases are also a burden for the poor, who often suffer in silence. The distribution of free food grains, which amounts to 5 kilograms per person per month, does not fully address the nutritional needs of people, and the cost of medicines has also increased, making them out of reach for many poor people. As a result, in addition to hunger and malnutrition, people are facing serious health risks, particularly children, who are often victims of malnutrition and stunting. The production of rice and wheat in India has also decreased due to various factors, including heat waves and floods, leading to price increases just as the pandemic has eased in 2022. The emergence of a new variant of COVID-19 in China also poses a threat to the world.
In conclusion, poverty and hunger are complex issues that require comprehensive and sustained efforts to address. It is important for governments to prioritize the needs of their most vulnerable citizens and to implement policies and programs that help to lift people out of poverty and ensure that they have access to nutritious, affordable food. This may include initiatives such as expanding access to education and job training, providing financial assistance and support for small businesses, and investing in infrastructure and community development. By taking a multifaceted approach and working in partnership with community organizations and other stakeholders, governments can make significant progress in reducing poverty and hunger and building more prosperous, equitable societies.
