There is a growing divergence in the relationship between poverty and hunger in India. The shrinking of social expenditure by the government is forcing the poor to spend more on non-food essential items squeezing their food budget. Elucidate. (UPSC 2019)

India’s measured poverty has fallen, but hunger and malnutrition remain stubbornly high, showing that lower poverty does not automatically mean better nutrition.

• Why the divergence? Low social expenditure shifts costs of health, education, transport, fuel and housing onto poor households.
• Food budget squeeze: These unavoidable non-food expenses leave less money for cereals, pulses and other nutritious food.
• Health shock: High out-of-pocket medical spending often forces families to cut meals or shift to cheaper, poorer-quality diets.
• Other pressures: School fees, private tuition and rising utility costs further reduce the share of income available for food.

Therefore, poverty reduction alone is insufficient; higher social spending, मजबूत public health and education, and targeted nutrition support are needed to convert income gains into food security.