In 2015, the United Nations agreed to end hunger in all forms by 2030. While India has committed itself as a stakeholder in the 2030 agenda for development, its own record in reducing hunger has been less than satisfactory. Latest data from the National Family Health Survey-4 show an improvement in nutritional indicators of children under-five. However, there are huge differences across states and social groups. Nutrition should thus remain high on India’s list of development priorities. This paper provides an overview of the status of nutrition financing in India, particularly in the context of the recommendations on fiscal restructuring recently issued by the Fourteenth Finance Commission. The paper highlights the gaps in India’s nutrition financing and provides policy prescriptions. It finds that the increased autonomy in setting budgetary agendas has not led to higher allocations for nutrition for all states, raising critical questions about India’s development priorities and its commitment to sustainable development goals. The paper recommends, among others, the setting up of guidelines for, and better monitoring of, state spending on nutrition.
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