Socio-legal Analysis of the Impact of Food Insecurity and Hunger on the Right to Health of Urban Poor Living in the State of Gujarat

Despite the socio-economic development, food insecurity and malnutrition are two evils found unexpectedly high around the globe hampering one of the most important human rights, the right to health. The conditions of health of people living in poverty are disproportionately worse than others. India’s obligation to ensure food security and health for all has its roots in International Law. Similarly, the country is also bound to provide these rights under the Constitution of India and the other national legal frameworks. However, India’s position in the recent Food Security Index, as well as Health Index, highlights the inadequacies in the nation’s obligation to guarantee the availability and accessibility of quality food to ensure physical well-being to all. This socio-legal research analysed the status of food insecurity in the State of Gujarat and its impact on urban poor living in the state. The study also has analysed the journey of ‘right to food’ as a fundamental human right under the Indian Legal system and the efficacy and success ratio of the Government initiatives with reference to Sustainable Development Goals. The study found that there is a huge gap in the system as the government schemes lack accessibility and as a result, the majority of the surveyed population are out of ration and also are not utilizing other government schemes for their benefits, hence leading a miserable life.