Hunger and poverty are the biggest challenges for good governance in India still today. Evaluate how far successive governments have progressed in dealing with these humongous problems. Suggest measures for improvement. (Answer in 150 words)

India has reduced poverty and expanded food and social protection, yet malnutrition, insecure work and regional inequality show that capability deprivation persists.

• MGNREGA, NFSA, PDS reforms, school meals, ICDS, financial inclusion and direct transfers have improved reach and consumption security.
• However, exclusion errors, wage delays, anaemia, child wasting, urban vulnerability and weak portability limit outcomes.
• Growth has not always produced secure livelihoods; climate shocks and inflation disproportionately affect poor households.

Universalise essential nutrition for vulnerable groups; strengthen PDS portability and community monitoring; pay MGNREGA on time and create urban employment support. Invest in primary health, sanitation, women’s agency, quality schooling and skilling. Use disaggregated outcome dashboards, grievance redress and accountable local institutions rather than relying only on expenditure figures.

Multidimensional poverty; NFSA; MGNREGA; PDS; nutrition security; social accountability.