Hunger and Malnutrition

Increased Food Access: Schemes like PDS and PMGKAY have been successful in ensuring food security for millions, especially during times of crisis like the pandemic.
Reduction in Malnutrition: There has been a steady decline in child malnutrition indicators, such as stunting and underweight children, though progress is slow.
School Enrollment and Retention: The Mid-Day Meal Scheme has led to improved school attendance and has helped address child hunger during school hours.

Malnutrition and Stunting Persist: Despite several programs, India still faces high levels of child malnutrition, with more than one-third of children under five suffering from stunting, according to NFHS-5 data.
Regional Disparities: There are significant regional disparities in the effectiveness of nutrition programs, with states like Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh showing poorer outcomes compared to states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Inadequate Implementation: Many schemes suffer from inefficiencies in implementation, including corruption, delays, and poor coordination among various agencies. Infrastructure limitations, especially in rural areas, exacerbate these issues.
Quality Concerns: In programs like MDM and ICDS, the quality of meals and nutrition services is often inadequate, leading to suboptimal outcomes.

National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 – The NFSA aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately two-thirds of India’s population. Under the Public Distribution System (PDS), beneficiaries receive wheat, rice, and coarse grains at highly subsidized prices.
Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDM) – The MDM provides free, cooked meals to children in government and government-aided schools. The goal is to improve school enrollment, attendance, and nutrition levels among children.
Poshan Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission) – Launched in 2018, the mission aims to reduce malnutrition by addressing stunting, underweight, anemia, and low birth weight in children, adolescent girls, and women. The focus is on behavior change and improved delivery of nutrition-related services.