An international fact-finding mission that arrived here on April 8 and submitted its report ten days later has made shocking revelations. It said food insecurity is most ‘pervasive across the country’ and is primarily affecting women and children of indigenous communities, Dalits, Kamaiyas and Haliyas. Those living with HIV/AIDS too are said to be reeling under acute food shortage. Surprisingly, even the people in the so-called food surplus districts are apparently suffering from hunger and malnutrition, the report states. The document also points out the two main reasons behind the government’s failure to address the problem — one, lack of coordination between and among ministries and the line agencies at the centre, regions and districts; and two, absence of a ‘comprehensive strategy’ to address the chronic issue of food insecurity.

It is a matter of shame that the government and thousands of INGOs/NGOs put together have not been able to tackle the problem of food security in the country. The right to food is a basic human right and by denying the poor this right, the state has done great injustice to them. It goes without saying that social exclusion, landlessness and unequal distribution of resources are among the factors responsible for the sufferings of these groups. It is the primary duty of the state to guarantee to all its citizens their inalienable right to food. The international donors and agencies too must emphasise that their aid is properly channelled and applied to uphold this vital right.