Smriti Irani Faces Criticism for Dismissing Global Hunger Index

Union Minister Smriti Irani has come under fire from the Congress party for her remarks questioning the credibility of the Global Hunger Index, in which India was ranked poorly. Irani, who serves as the Minister of Women and Child Development in the Narendra Modi government, suggested that the index is prepared by merely calling people and asking if they are hungry.

Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate responded by criticizing Irani’s level of ignorance and insensitivity. Shrinate emphasized that the Global Hunger Index is a significant report heavily reliant on indicators like undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting, and child mortality. These indicators also help assess progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Shrinate urged the Union Minister not to trivialize the issue of hunger, given her influential position. She reminded Irani that, as a minister in the Government of India, she has access to ample meals during her travels.

Other political figures also weighed in on Irani’s comments. Priyanka Chaturvedi, a leader from the Shiv Sena (UBT), pointed out the stark reality for those who struggle to find enough food to eat, suggesting that Irani’s busy schedule is a luxury that many cannot afford.

Smriti Irani’s comments came after the release of the Global Hunger Index-2023, which ranked India 111th out of 125 countries. The government rejected the index, alleging it had malicious intent. The index also revealed that India has the world’s highest child wasting rate at 18.7%, indicating acute undernutrition. With a score of 28.7 in the Global Hunger Index-2023, India’s hunger level is deemed serious, as reported in the index. Notably, neighboring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka have fared better in the index.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The Hindustan Times