Context: 

Budgets are important documents that reflect the priorities of the government and its commitment to providing equitable access to basic public goods such as health, education, and nutrition. 

Need to increase spending in health, education and nutrition:

• For the sustainable, long term growth of the country, expanding universal access to high quality education, healthcare and nutrition is imperative.

•  A study showed that 230 million Indians slid into poverty due to COVID-­19.
• The ASER report shows the abysmal state of education — many Class 5 students are unable to read a Class 2 textbook.
• NFHS­-5 data show that among children aged below five years, 35.5% were stunted and 32.1% were underweight. Yet, the allocations for education and nutrition are stagnant.
• The budget for midday meals was reduced by 9%, not counting inflation, even as data show a shift in enrolment from private to public schools with private schooling becoming unaffordable.
• Disease burden is rising with non­communicable diseases, mental health and geriatric care adding to the load of communicable diseases.
• India lacks adequate human resources, infrastructure and access to affordable diagnosis and treatment. 

COVID-19 highlighting fault lines:

• Lack of financial risk protection, broken primary health system, absence of district hospitals
• Chaotic regulatory framework 

Conclusion:

The government must invest in public health, promote scientific research, and expand health security. In order to overcome these challenges, strong political leadership and adequate funding are needed.

News Source: The Hindu

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