The Right to Food and Endogenous Growth: The Indian Case and Comparative Analysis

Abstract

This paper seeks to explain how ‘Right to Food’ is fundamental to the growth of the Indian economy. Section 1 uses the capabilities approach to show how the other rights (Work, Education and Information) supplement the Right to Food. It provides domestic evidence to show that these rights have a positive effect on human capital. Section 2 seeks to illustrate how human capital enhances long run endogenous growth both in theory (Lucas 1988) and in practice (the Asian Tigers). It also emphasizes the need for participatory growth that has largely eluded India. Section 3 provides domestic evidence to show that political will and legislation can drastically change the scenario for food security. It contrasts the success story of Chhattisgarh with reference to a well performing PDS (Tamil Nadu) and that of a languishing PDS (Bihar). Section 4 comments on the Food Security Bill (2013) and discusses the extent to which it represents a true ‘Right to Food’. It concludes that while sustainable growth has eluded India, there is scope for achieving it, if the rights based policies are implemented effectively.