Digital Governance for Sustainable Nutrition: Advancing SDG 2 (Zero Hunger)

Abstract: Despite significant progress in public health, India still faces major challenges in achieving food security and nutrition. Approximately 194 million people are undernourished, and stunting and wasting rates among children remain high. Key issues include fragmented food supply chains, inefficient public distribution systems, lack of real-time monitoring, delayed targeting of vulnerable populations, corruption, and poor data-driven decision-making. Regional disparities, low digital literacy, and infrastructural gaps further limit the effectiveness of national nutrition programs. These systemic challenges slow India’s progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger). Digital governance provides a transformative solution to these ongoing issues. By integrating mobile-based nutrition apps, GIS-enabled food distribution networks, AI-driven data analytics, and e-governance portals, the government can improve transparency, reduce leakages, and ensure fair access to nutritious food. Initiatives like POSHAN Abhiyaan, the electronic Public Distribution System (e-PDS), and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) show how technology can enhance program delivery, track real-time outcomes, and involve communities in monitoring and reporting. Additionally, digital tools empower citizens with nutrition awareness, participatory reporting, and personalized diet-planning resources. This fosters accountability and local engagement. Challenges such as limited internet connectivity, low digital literacy, and data privacy concerns are being tackled through capacity-building programs, inclusive design, and regulatory frameworks. This paper offers a problem-solving framework for India, showing how digital governance can close policy gaps, strengthen program implementation, and promote sustainable nutrition practices. By combining technology, governance, and community engagement, India can effectively address malnutrition, reduce inequalities in food access, and accelerate progress toward SDG 2. The insights provide scalable strategies for policymakers, NGOs, and digital innovators aiming to resolve systemic nutrition challenges with technology-driven interventions.