GS Question

In India, there is a concerning divergence in the relationship between poverty and hunger. This is primarily due to the shrinking of social expenditure by the government, which has placed additional financial burdens on the poor. As a result, they are forced to spend more on non-food essential items, leaving them with a limited budget for food.

One of the main reasons behind this divergence is the reduction in social spending by the government. Social expenditure includes various programs and policies aimed at alleviating poverty and providing social security nets for the vulnerable population. However, due to fiscal constraints or policy decisions, the government has been reducing its spending on these essential programs.

As a consequence, the poor are left to bear the brunt of this reduced social expenditure. They have to allocate a larger portion of their income to meet non-food essential expenses, such as rent, healthcare, education, transportation, and other basic necessities. These non-food essential items often consume a significant portion of their income, leaving them with limited resources to spend on food.

As the poor struggle to cover these essential expenses, their food budget gets squeezed. They are compelled to compromise on the quantity and quality of the food they consume. This leads to inadequate nutrition and increases the risk of malnutrition and hunger among this already vulnerable population.

Additionally, the rising prices of essential commodities further exacerbate the situation. When prices of food items increase, the poor find it even more challenging to meet their nutritional needs within the limited budget. This can lead to a decline in food consumption, forcing individuals and families into a cycle of hunger and poverty.

The government's shrinking social expenditure not only impacts the overall well-being of the poor but also hinders efforts to combat hunger and poverty effectively. Adequate social spending plays a crucial role in promoting inclusive growth, reducing inequality, and ensuring food security for the most vulnerable sections of society.

In conclusion, the growing divergence between poverty and hunger in India is primarily a result of the shrinking social expenditure by the government. This forces the poor to spend more on non-food essential items, leaving them with insufficient funds to meet their nutritional needs. Addressing this issue requires a reevaluation of government policies and a renewed commitment to prioritize social expenditure, particularly in areas related to poverty alleviation and food security.