A NARRATIVE OF ‘ROTI, KAPADA AUR MAKAAN’ UNDER THE NDA

• The article discusses the film “Roti, Kapada Aur Makaan,” which portrays the hardships faced by individuals due to deprivation of essential needs such as food and shelter.
• Undernourishment, especially in children, can lead to long-term consequences, including poor cognition, low wages, lost productivity, and a higher risk of nutrition-related chronic diseases in adult life.

Examination of Deprivations During NDA Regime:

• The article aims to examine the extent to which deprivations, particularly in terms of access to food and shelter, have increased or decreased during the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) regime.
• It highlights that the cause of starvation is not just a shortage of food supply but also a lack of real income to purchase food, and a lack of shelter is due to inadequate income to rent or buy a house.
• The study period covers 2018 to 2021.

Exaggerated Claims vs. Pervasive Deprivation:

• Despite claims of growing affluence and reductions in the Multidimensional Poverty Index, the article points out that there is a widespread and increasing deprivation of access to food and shelter in India.

Income Growth Disparity:

• Income growth has been slow and has not significantly benefited the poorest segments of the population.
• Infrastructure development projects have taken precedence over agriculture, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and social safety nets.

Caste and Economic Deprivation:

• The article highlights that the recent focus on a caste census is not just political propaganda but is rooted in persistent economic and social deprivation.
• Analysis using the Gallup World Poll (GWP) caste classification reveals that economic deprivation is particularly acute among Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Scheduled Castes (SCs).
• The deprivation of food and shelter is influenced by caste dynamics, with the situation of the unreserved population being somewhat better.

Age Group and Economic Deprivation:

• Among those lacking money for food and shelter, the highest share is found in the age group of 25 to 45 years in 2021.
• Low wages and salaries are seen as constraints on expenditure for food and shelter.

Rural-Urban Disparities:

• A significant majority of those lacking money for food and shelter are in rural areas, with a small fraction in urban areas.
• However, urban areas have witnessed a doubling of those facing deprivation, and rural-urban migration may contribute to urban deprivations.

Policy Aberrations and Trust in the NDA:

• Policy irregularities, protectionist measures, job fairs with perverse incentives, politically determined mega projects, and neglect of employment generation have contributed to these deprivations.
• The consequences of these deprivations may have adverse effects on both the polity and the economy.

Note – Data mentioned in the article can be used for the mains answer enrichment.