Budget 2021 paid less attention to Hunger and Malnutrition

Source: Click here

Syllabus: Government Budgeting

Synopsis: Global pandemic and economic slowdown led to the health and economic crisis. But, the Union Budget 2021-22 did not pay attention to hunger, and Malnutrition.

Need of Food Security         

• High rate of child malnutrition- National Family Health Survey-5 showed that child malnutrition levels in 2019 were higher than in 2016 in most states.
• COVID-19 effect- A field survey conducted by Hunger Watch and the Azim Premji University. It found that food intake between Oct. 2020 and Dec. 2020, is low compared to the Pre-lockdown levels.

Budget 2021-22 allocation

Thus, this shows that there is not much allocation done towards nutrition schemes, even after the increase of prevalence of malnutrition.

What are the Challenges facing nutrition initiatives?

India’s nutrition initiatives such as Anganwadi programme and school mid-day meals are crucial for the nutrition of children and pregnant and lactating women. However, these initiatives faced disruption during COVID pandemic. Moreover, they are suffered from the following shortcomings:

• Real-time data are not available about stunted and wasted children in India.
• The initiatives also suffer from under-utilization of allocated funds.
• Many ministries and departments related to healthcare often operate in isolation. 
• Lack of capacity building of Asha and Anganwadi working in ICDS centre.

Way Forward

Sustainable Development Goal to end poverty in all its forms everywhere & to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition require not only coordinated efforts but also fund to deliver services to the vulnerable section of India.