6th Jan. 2020 Answer writing

(General Studies I)

1. Q. ‘India has addressed the problem of malnutrition but it needs more to be done.’ Analyze (250 words)

Model Answer:

Malnutrition is a condition that results from eating a diet in which one or more nutrients are either not enough or are too much such that the diet causes health problems.

Despite a fast-growing economy and the largest anti-malnutrition programme, India has the world’s worst level of child malnutrition.

The Government has taken various steps to reduce the malnutrition.

E.g.  Integrated Child Development Services Scheme (ICDS), Mid-day meal Programs (MDM), Special Nutrition Programs (SNP), Wheat Based Nutrition Programs (WNP).

POSHAN Abhiyaan to ensure attainment of malnutrition free India by 2022, anaemia (Anaemia Mukt Bharat) and healthy eating (Eat Right India).

Challenges:

• Variation in progress in maternal and child under nutrition across the states.
• Challenges of overweight, obesity and early non-communicable disease.
• Social determinants related to gender, education, sanitation and poverty.
• Inappropriate and sub-optimal infant and young child feeding and caring practices.
• Issues relating to prevention of illnesses and access to healthcare
• Low awareness regarding nutrition and use of local nutritious food including sources of nutrients.
• Inadequate attention to health and nutrition of adolescent girls
• Inadequate access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation

Way forward:

Coherence is needed in areas of public policy across multiple ministries – incentivizing the cultivation and consumption of a range of food commodities. The government needs to ensure optimal healthcare of adolescents, pregnant women and young children; restricting the marketing of unhealthy foods and drinks; and expanding efforts to improve nutrition literacy.

The role of local government, Aganwadi, local community in the creation of awareness & effective implementation of the schemes. The Coarse Grains should be promoted to make available nutrient food.

Thus India needs to take a holistic & effective steps to reduce the malnutrition. the World Health Organization’s updated Essential Nutrition Actions must be adapted to the needs of the country.

Date- 06/01/2020                                                                                                                            (Dept. of Content Development)