Condition of hunger getting severe in Indian states: study

Hunger Index among 11 poor states remains severe post lockdown measures, a study conducted by Right to Food Campaign along with a number of non-governmental organizations observed. Among the research participants, 53 per cent reported that their consumption of wheat/rice has decreased during September-October in comparison with the pre-lockdown period.

"About 77 per cent of the PVTG (particularly vulnerable tribal groups) families, 76 per cent of Dalits, and 54 per cent of the Adivasis reported that their quantity of food consumption decreased in September-October as compared to pre-lockdown period," the New Indian Express said, quoting from the report.

In Gujarat, 28 per cent are reported to have gone to bed without having a meal and 20.6 per cent sometimes skipped meal due to lack of food. The report stressed that lack of conducting taluka level committee meeting due to Covid-19 restrictions also negatively impacted their right to food security.

In light of the study report, Right to Food Campaign demanded a universal public distribution system, with a supply of at least 10 kg grain and 1.5 kg pulses and 800-gram cooking oil per month till June 2021. The study was conducted in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Delhi, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu comprising 3994 persons in total.