Freedom from Hunger

DETAILS : 

• Author : S.N. Misra , Shibalal Meher
  
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Anmol Publications Pvt Ltd
  
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ 1 December 2004
  
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
  
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 226 pages
  
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 8126120193
  
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-8126120192
  
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 480 g

ABOUT THE BOOK

Freedom from Hunger is a rigorous socio-economic study that investigates the persistent challenge of food insecurity in India, with a specific focus on the regional disparities of poverty. The book moves beyond theoretical discussions to provide a data-driven analysis of why, despite national self-sufficiency in grain production, millions still suffer from chronic malnutrition and hunger.

The authors explore several critical dimensions of the "hunger paradox":

• The PDS System: An evaluation of the Public Distribution System’s effectiveness in reaching the "bottom of the pyramid" and the leakages within the supply chain.
• Regional Case Studies: Much of the research focuses on the "poverty pockets" of India, particularly in states like Odisha, analyzing how tribal and rural communities cope with seasonal food shortages.
• Agricultural Productivity vs. Accessibility: Distinguishing between the availability of food at a national level and the entitlement or purchasing power of the individual household.
• Policy Interventions: A critical review of government schemes like Antyodaya Anna Yojana and the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, offering recommendations for more inclusive grassroots implementation.

The book is a vital resource for developmental economists, NGOs, and policymakers who aim to move India from "food security" to "nutritional security."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

• S.N. Misra: A respected economist and academician, Prof. Misra has spent years researching rural development and the economics of poverty. He is known for his fieldwork-heavy approach, ensuring that his academic conclusions are grounded in the lived realities of rural India.
• Shibalal Meher: An Associate Professor at the Nabakrushna Choudhury Centre for Development Studies (NCDS), Dr. Meher is an expert in regional economics and social sector development. His work frequently addresses issues of inequality, tribal development, and the impact of economic reforms on vulnerable populations in eastern India.