Sometimes a reality check is too much to fix. Especially when you are considered one of the 'emerging world super-powers'!
India, according to a recent Hunger and Malnutrition Report, has 42 per cent underfed and, hence underdeveloped children. There are very few things as disgusting and disgraceful.
Equally shocking is the fact that one in three malnourished children in the world is an Indian.
"The problem of malnutrition is a national shame," said the Prime Minister sheepishly while releasing the outcome of the study done by various NGOs. Undoubtedly it is extremely shameful, for us as a society and as a nation.
What is sad is that this is not the first time we are reminded of this piece of realism. From the World Bank to our own Planning Commission have, from time to time, rung the alarm bells.
So we should not be taken aback. Moving on to the solutions front, we have, as usual, a scheme from the Central Government - the Integrated Child Development Scheme.
Mid-day meals are part of this grand plan. However, on the ground the scenario is depressing. There are so many instances of corruption and mismanagement. "We can no longer rely solely on it," PM accepted in his speech.
But what is unmistakably obvious is the interrelation of poverty and malnutrition. The party that PM belongs to, had at one point of time, won a general election based on grand slogan of 'garibi hatao'. And they are in power for almost 50 years. So what did exactly Congress do? Even NDA?
It is turned out be easier to announce a scheme in the name of a Gandhi or Nehru. Allocate absurdly huge amount of money. And then the implementation is abysmal, to say the least.
Latest is Food Security Bill, with a anticipated allotment of 1,25,000 crores of rupees. Even the seasoned and astute politician like Shard Pawar is opposed to the bill. Agriculture experts are also against the idea.
We should not forget, at the same time, only 65 percent of foods and grains are utilized in this country, rest 35 percent is squandered away, because we 'still' don't have 'sufficient' storage capacity!
For now, PM has declared multi-sector programmes for 200 districts that have highest malnutrition levels. Genuine implementation? Ram bharosey!
The only encouraging outcome - as per the Hunger and Malnutrition Report, one child in five has gained an acceptable healthy weight during the last seven years in 100 focused districts.
India, according to a recent Hunger and Malnutrition Report, has 42 per cent underfed and, hence underdeveloped children. There are very few things as disgusting and disgraceful.
Equally shocking is the fact that one in three malnourished children in the world is an Indian.
"The problem of malnutrition is a national shame," said the Prime Minister sheepishly while releasing the outcome of the study done by various NGOs. Undoubtedly it is extremely shameful, for us as a society and as a nation.
What is sad is that this is not the first time we are reminded of this piece of realism. From the World Bank to our own Planning Commission have, from time to time, rung the alarm bells.
So we should not be taken aback. Moving on to the solutions front, we have, as usual, a scheme from the Central Government - the Integrated Child Development Scheme.
Mid-day meals are part of this grand plan. However, on the ground the scenario is depressing. There are so many instances of corruption and mismanagement. "We can no longer rely solely on it," PM accepted in his speech.
But what is unmistakably obvious is the interrelation of poverty and malnutrition. The party that PM belongs to, had at one point of time, won a general election based on grand slogan of 'garibi hatao'. And they are in power for almost 50 years. So what did exactly Congress do? Even NDA?
It is turned out be easier to announce a scheme in the name of a Gandhi or Nehru. Allocate absurdly huge amount of money. And then the implementation is abysmal, to say the least.
Latest is Food Security Bill, with a anticipated allotment of 1,25,000 crores of rupees. Even the seasoned and astute politician like Shard Pawar is opposed to the bill. Agriculture experts are also against the idea.
We should not forget, at the same time, only 65 percent of foods and grains are utilized in this country, rest 35 percent is squandered away, because we 'still' don't have 'sufficient' storage capacity!
For now, PM has declared multi-sector programmes for 200 districts that have highest malnutrition levels. Genuine implementation? Ram bharosey!
The only encouraging outcome - as per the Hunger and Malnutrition Report, one child in five has gained an acceptable healthy weight during the last seven years in 100 focused districts.
