Investing in the future: reforming public policy to end undernutrition in India

Despite substantial economic growth, India still has one of the highest undernutrition rates in the world. Because of its large population, India is home to almost 40 per cent of the world’s stunted children. To date extensive public policy initiatives such as the Integrated Child Development Services and the Public Distribution System together with the considerable improvements in their implementation have not significantly altered the situation. The National Food Security Act of 2013 holds promise, but in order to tackle the monumental challenge of reducing undernutrition in India, significant reform in public policy interventions is required.