Bhagirath Baria

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The Author of this blog has keen interest in understanding Economics and its implications on the Individual and the Economy as a whole. Has been writing articles and analysis of issues that may skip general observation, but exert deep influence on people's lives and their decisions. Discussions and Debates related to conventional as well as non-conventional Economics is done here. The author of this blog doesn't classify himself to any particular School of thought in Economics. He is tilted toward Mainstream Economics, though has keen interest in a few Heterodox schools too. Wishing all the readers a truly enriching experience.

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Rath & Economics by Bhagirath Baria is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 2.5 India License.
Based on a work at www.rathandeconomics.blogspot.com.
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Sunday, October 11, 2009

Economic Boom- the only key to remove Malnourishment?

As per World Health Organization, today hunger is the gravest danger to the World health. Malnutrition is indeed a very big contributor to child mortality. As per World Bank's estimates in 1998, India is the 2nd most malnourished nation with 47% after Bangladesh. In India some major causes are lack of proper delivery system of the P.D.S.(Public Distribution System), lack of hygiene and sanitation facilities to majority of population, status of women, etc.
The World Bank has clearly stated that India, despite being the 2nd fastest growing economy in the world, after China, is still "one of the most malnourished nation in the world". India's N.F.H.S.(National Family Health Survey) said that India has 46% of its children(below 3 years old) underweight and 38% stunted. Malnourishment is highest among the scheduled tribes and castes with 54% of them being malnourished. As per U.N. one of the key cause of undernourishment in India is Low Birth Weight(LBW) and 30% of the children are born under this category.
The I.C.D.S.(Integrated Child Development Scheme) has razor-sharp difference in intentions and implementation. Even the mid-day meal schemes that have been introduced maybe efficient in educational terms, but fails at the nutrition front, as said by the World Bank. India, right now aims at an easy 6-6.5% growth rate, being the 4th largest economy in the world in terms of GDP, is still not healthy at the SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE front.
In rural India or say the Bharat, it is really worrying to find that even one member of a family falling ill is enough to sink the poor families in a vicious circle of debt and further poverty. Thus our Economy's growth is not at all reflecting a positive RURAL UPLIFTMENT especially at the health front. Our Government though really working hard for nation's growth must always remember those 3 golden words: HEALTH IS WEALTH.