CPI(M) expresses concern over UN hunger report, says government failed on food security

NEW DELHI: Citing a recent UN report which has claimed that India is home to the highest number of undernourished people in the world, CPI(M) today accused the NDA government of having "glaringly" failed in dealing with food security and said it had brought "shame" to the nation.

According to a study released by United Nation's Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) yesterday, India is home to the highest number of hungry people in the world, at 194.6 million, surpassing China.

CPI (M) also expressed concern over the slowing down of "rate of decline" in number of undernourished people over the past two years compared to 2010-12.

"Coinciding with one-year Modi government celebrations, the FAO has released a report which brings shame to India.

"And the proportion of undernourished in the total population, the rate of decline has significantly gone down in the two years. This shows even if one accepts the underestimation of FAO, because I believe this whole method underestimates, the picture of Modi government's failure in dealing with food security is glare," party Politburo member Brinda Karat said.

Karat further alleged that the government was being "silent" over the issue even as it made tall claims in other areas on completion of its one year.

"In all tall claims, their consequent silence about continuing undernourishment of Indian population... and the reason is because (at) the same time he (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) is making other claims... FAO has come out with this report and it shows his utter failure," she added.