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Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smriti Irani, has come under intense scrutiny and criticism after making comments regarding the Global Hunger Index (GHI) and its methodology in India. During a recent event, Irani stated that the GHI in India is calculated by simply calling people and asking them if they are hungry.
Irani’s remarks have sparked controversy and backlash, especially from opposition parties and social media users. She explained, “How do they build that index? 3000 people from a country of 140 crore get a phone call from Gallup and they are asked, ‘Are you hungry?'”
She further emphasized her point by sharing a personal experience: “Now trust me, I have left my house in Delhi in the morning at 4. I caught a flight at 5 to go to Kochi. I did a conclave there, caught a flight at 5 o’clock to come to this program. By the time I get to anything called food, it will be 10 o’clock. If you have called me anytime in the day today and asked are you hungry, I’ll say ‘Oh yes, I am.'”
The opposition parties and netizens swiftly condemned her remarks, with many expressing their displeasure on social media platforms. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate, for instance, criticized Irani’s comments and her role as the Women and Child Development Minister, saying, “I don’t know what’s more shameful – your level of ignorance or your insensitivity at display here? You are the Women and Child Development Minister in the Government of India – it’s appalling to hear you. Frankly, you are an embarrassment!” Shrinate went on to highlight the privilege Irani enjoys and urged her not to make light of hunger, given her position in the government.
