Poverty and malnutrition create a vicious cycle, adversely affecting human capital formation. What steps can be taken to break the cycle? (Answer in 150 words)

Introduction:

• Poverty and malnutrition are interlinked, creating a vicious cycle where malnourished individuals struggle to achieve their full potential, leading to low productivity and perpetuating poverty. Breaking this cycle is essential for human capital formation and national development.

Body:

Steps to Break the Cycle:

1. Nutrition Interventions:
   • Strengthen programs like Mid-Day Meal Scheme and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) to ensure children receive adequate nutrition.
   • Promote food fortification and supplementary nutrition programs targeting vulnerable groups, especially pregnant women and children.
2. Poverty Alleviation:
   • Enhance livelihood opportunities through skill development, MGNREGA, and promoting microfinance for small businesses, which can provide economic stability to poor families.
3. Healthcare Access:
   • Improve access to healthcare services, especially in rural areas, to prevent disease-related malnutrition.
   • Implement preventive health measures like vaccination, sanitation, and clean drinking water.
4. Education and Awareness:
   • Promote education on nutrition, hygiene, and family planning to empower communities to make healthier choices.

Conclusion:

• By integrating nutrition, health, and livelihood programs, and ensuring access to basic services, the cycle of poverty and malnutrition can be broken, enabling the formation of a healthier, more productive human capital.