Global Hunger Index: India ranked 102, 8 positions below Pakistan
While India's leaders are busy thumping their chests and talking about their achievements, millions are sleeping empty stomach. As per reports, India slipped to 102 in the Global Hunger Index (GHI), out of 117 countries. On the other hand, Pakistan was given the 94th spot, Bangladesh 88th and Nepal 73rd. India was ranked the lowest among South Asian countries. Hear Modiji, hear (after you find time from election campaigning).
What is Global Hunger Index? What does it mean?
The GHI ranks countries on how they deal with malnutrition. GHI judges countries on a 100-point severity level, with 0 being the best (meaning there is no hunger) and 100 being the worst. "With a score of 30.3, India suffers from a level of hunger that is serious," the report, released by two bodies which work for the humanitarian crisis, read.
Every year, number of countries scrutinized differ
To note, India was ranked 55th in 2014. However, the number of countries which were scrutinized each year differed. In 2014, 76 countries were taken into account. In 2017, India ranked 100 out of 119 countries and featured at the 103rd spot out of 119 countries in 2018. The reports are designed to measure and track hunger at regional and national levels.
India's child wasting rate is high: Report
"Because of its large population, India's Global Hunger Index indicator values have an outsized impact on the indicator values for the region... India's child wasting rate is extremely high at 20.8%," the report added.
Four parameters were used to rate India
Apparently, four parameters are used for the index. These include undernourishment, child wasting, child stunting, and child mortality rate under five years. "Using this combination of indicators to measure hunger offers several advantages. The indicators included in the GHI formula reflect caloric deficiencies as well as poor nutrition," the report explained. The data certainly is alarming and shows India's kids aren't being treated well.
As expected, Opposition leaders used the data to slam PM
Naturally, the Opposition leaders used the latest report to slam Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "In 2014 India was ranked 55. In 2017 it slipped to 100 and in now to the levels of Niger and Sierra Leone. The majority of world's hungry now resides in India," tweeted Kerala's Finance Minister Thomas Issac. Separately, Congress leader Siddaramaiah asked when will acche din come.
