How far do you agree with the view that the focus on the lack of availability of food as the main cause of hunger takes the attention away from ineffective human development policies in India? (250 words)
The issue of hunger in India is a complex and multi-faceted one. While it is true that the lack of availability of food is a major contributing factor, there are other underlying causes that are often overlooked. One such cause is the ineffective human development policies in India. In this answer, we will examine this view and determine to what extent it is valid.
Arguments in favor of the view that the focus on the lack of availability of food takes the attention away from ineffective human development policies in India are:
• Food scarcity is not the only factor: While it is true that the lack of availability of food is a major cause of hunger, it is not the only factor. Poor infrastructure, lack of access to clean water, inadequate sanitation facilities, and inadequate healthcare all contribute to the problem.
• Government policies are inadequate: Despite several government initiatives to tackle the issue of hunger, the problem persists. The government has failed to implement effective policies to address the underlying causes of hunger, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of education.
• Poverty is a key issue: Poverty is one of the major causes of hunger in India. The government’s failure to address poverty effectively is a major contributor to the problem. The lack of access to education and job opportunities keeps many people in poverty, which in turn leads to hunger.
• Inadequate healthcare: Poor healthcare facilities and inadequate access to healthcare contribute to malnutrition and hunger. The government needs to invest more in healthcare facilities and make them accessible to all.
• Education is essential: Education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty and hunger. However, the government has failed to provide adequate access to education, particularly in rural areas. This lack of education perpetuates the problem of hunger.
In conclusion, while the lack of availability of food is undoubtedly a major cause of hunger in India, it is not the only one. Ineffective human development policies play a significant role in perpetuating the problem. The government must take a more comprehensive approach to address the underlying causes of hunger, such as poverty, inadequate healthcare, and lack of education. By doing so, India can make real progress in reducing hunger and malnutrition.
