Food Security and the PDS in India
Hunger Indices and Debates
India ranks poorly on global hunger indices, a result the government disputes, sparking debate about measurement.
Numbers can start arguments.
What the index measures
The Global Hunger Index combines undernourishment, child stunting, wasting and child mortality.
India’s rank
India has ranked in the lower half, driven by high child wasting and stunting.
The dispute
The government argues that the index uses a small survey and questionable methods.
Other data
National health surveys also show high levels of stunting, though improving.
Two views
One side says child nutrition data reveal a serious problem; another questions how the index is built.
Dismissing data because it is uncomfortable
Different sources should be examined.
Key takeaways
- The index uses four indicators.
- India ranks low.
- The government disputes it.
- National surveys show progress.
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