Food scarcity, inflation and unemployment crisis in the country, who is responsible?
Awaz E Bihar••3 views•6 min read
Sarfaraz Ahmed Qasmi Contact: 8099695186 Today, on one hand, the world is at the peak of artificial intelligence, automated agriculture, and technology, while on the other hand, the oldest curse of human history, 'hunger' and food scarcity, is still screaming in the stomachs of nearly a billion people. The latest data from the Global Hunger Index 2025 has once again exposed the bitter reality that behind the noise of development, a large part of humanity is still struggling to fill their bellies. India ranks 102nd out of 127 countries, with a score of 25.8, which falls into the 'alarming' category, disproving the claim that the country has become self-sufficient in food production. Prime Minister Modi often proudly announces that India is now exporting grains to the world and is the second-largest producer of rice and wheat globally. However, the question arises that if grains are rotting in warehouses, why are citizens going hungry? If the country is producing a surplus of food, why are children being born underweight? Why are women suffering from iron deficiency? And why are millions of people standing in line for rations?
According to the Global Hunger Index, 13.7% of India's population is suffering from hunger and food scarcity. The prevalence of undernutrition among children is 35.5%. While 2.1% of children die before the age of five, 27.4% of children are born underweight, and 53% of women between 15 and 49 years old suffer from anemia. These are not just numbers, but the screaming realities that are being hidden behind the grand curtain of government announcements. The countries with the highest levels of hunger include Somalia, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Haiti, Chad, Niger, the Central African Republic, Nigeria, and Papua New Guinea, which are facing devastating levels of hunger due to war, drought, political instability, and economic crisis. However, India, which is not at war, does not face drought, and is not politically unstable, is still struggling with hunger and food scarcity, and this crisis is worsening.
The country's policy is focused on the quantity of food production, not the quality or nutrition. This is why children are lagging behind in both height and weight. This is the generation that is growing up in the shadow of hunger and malnutrition, a capital that no nation can develop with. India's story of hunger is not just a tale of economic inequality but also a chronicle of political deception. The slogan of self-sufficiency has buried the reality, and the government considers food production a success, but the statistics on hunger mourn that success. Until fair distribution of food, nutrition, and basic health and hygiene are taken seriously, every index, every report, and every promise will be nothing more than verbal consolation.
The country's young population is considered the greatest strength, but when it comes to employment, this strength becomes a burden. After coming to power in 2014, Prime Minister Modi promised to create two crore jobs every year. However, even after 11 years, the unemployment rate in the country is at an all-time high. The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, one of the flagship schemes initiated to provide industry-based training to the country's youth, is now facing serious questions. The scheme was launched in July 2015 with the objective of providing training, certification, and employment opportunities to unemployed youth. However, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has raised several questions about the implementation of the scheme.
The CAG report has exposed the deep flaws in the scheme, revealing that between 2015 and 2022, the total budget for the three phases of the scheme was approximately Rs 14,450 crore, out of which Rs 10,194 crore was released and Rs 9,261 crore was spent. During this period, the target was to provide skill training to 1.32 crore youth, out of which 1.1 crore were certified. On paper, this appears to be an 83% success rate, but according to the CAG, this is just a numbers game. The Congress party has alleged that the scheme has been marred by large-scale corruption and has demanded an independent and thorough investigation into the matter.
The recent data from December shows that the unemployment rate in the country has risen to 4.8%, which is an indication that cannot be ignored as just an economic news. This increase may seem minor, from 4.7% in November, but even a small change in employment can have a significant impact on the lives of millions of people in a large population country. The reality is that the problem of unemployment is not just about numbers; it is a test of the country's collective confidence, economic direction, and government priorities. Employment in a country like India is not just a means of earning a living; it is also a source of social dignity, psychological satisfaction, and future stability.
When young people are unable to find jobs after years of education, or when they do find jobs but with low pay, insecurity, and lack of protection, it affects not only their economic well-being but also their social and moral fabric. This is why the discussion on unemployment should not be limited to just rates and percentages but should also address the underlying questions. Is employment increasing in the country? What kind of employment is increasing? Is it dignified and sustainable? Does the worker or employee have social protection? The fact is that in India, the problem of unemployment has been worsening over the past few years, and it is not just about the lack of jobs but also about the lack of quality employment.
A large section of the population is either unable to find work or is forced to work in the informal sector, where wages are low, working hours are long, and social protection is absent. In other words, the economy is growing in a way that creates fewer jobs, and the jobs that are created are not always dignified and secure. This is what is known as jobless growth in economic terminology, and it is a serious warning sign for India. The increase in unemployment rate to 4.8% is a clear message for the government, industry, educational system, and policymakers that the problem of unemployment is not just an economic issue but a question of the country's future.
If today's youth do not get dignified employment, their potential will be wasted, and wasted potential is the greatest loss for any country. Development is credible only when it provides employment and employment that gives life support with dignity and protection. No country can dream of development by increasing unemployment, hunger, and inflation.
