PVCHR and Ashok Thakur's Advocacy Reflected in Economic Survey and Ultra-Processed Food Policies





 The People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR), under the leadership of Shruti Nagvanshi and Lenin Raghuvanshi, has been at the forefront of advocating for marginalized communities. One of their significant efforts has been pushing for policy reforms that address socio-economic inequalities and public health challenges.

Recently, an appeal by Shri Ashok Thakur, Director of NAFED and in charge of Bharatiya Janata Party – New Delhi, alongside PVCHR’s continued advocacy, has made a tangible impact by influencing the Economic Survey of India and policies related to ultra-processed food regulation.

MPs Round-table: Children Nutrition and Ultra-Processed Food

On March 20, 2023, PVCHR and PIPAL successfully organized the MPs Round-table: Children Nutrition and Ultra-Processed Food at the Deputy Speaker Hall of the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi. The event brought together senior Members of Parliament, politicians, and civil society representatives to discuss urgent policy measures for ensuring healthier food availability in the market.

During the discussion, the panel called for the introduction of clear warning labels on packaged food to guide consumers toward healthier choices. Shri Ashok Thakur emphasized the need for regulatory measures and stated, "We sent all stakeholders in Government a comprehensive appeal highlighting the pressing issues surrounding ultra-processed foods." He further added, "The government will have to fix the cost of production because the profit margin in this industry is unlimited." The event played a crucial role in strengthening policy discourse around nutrition and public health.

Economic Survey Acknowledges the Need for Structural Reforms

The Economic Survey of India serves as a crucial document outlining the country's economic performance and policy direction. The advocacy by PVCHR and Shri Ashok Thakur has been instrumental in bringing attention to pressing issues such as the economic marginalization of vulnerable communities and the need for inclusive growth policies.

As a result, the Economic Survey has incorporated discussions on enhancing grassroots economic participation and mitigating income disparities, which aligns with PVCHR’s long-standing demands.

Regulating Ultra-Processed Food for Public Health

Another crucial aspect of PVCHR and Shri Ashok Thakur’s advocacy has been the regulation of ultra-processed food (UPF), which poses significant health risks such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Their efforts have highlighted the disproportionate impact of unhealthy food consumption on economically disadvantaged groups, who often lack access to fresh and nutritious food.

Key outcomes of their appeal include:

  • Increased awareness about the dangers of UPF consumption.

  • Policy discussions on stricter labeling and advertising regulations.

  • Calls for government intervention to promote healthier dietary alternatives.

Letter to the Prime Minister and Government Response

A formal appeal was submitted to the Prime Minister, urging the government to take concrete action against ultra-processed foods and to integrate economic policies that prioritize marginalized communities. The letter underscored the urgency of implementing regulatory measures and public awareness campaigns.

This advocacy effort has led to:

  • Increased governmental focus on nutrition policies.

  • Potential revisions in food industry regulations.

  • Broader discourse on the socio-economic determinants of public health.

NHRC and the National Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Front-of-Package Labelling

On May 16, 2022, a national dialogue was organized at the Gandhi Peace Foundation, Delhi, bringing together media, political organizations, civil society, business leaders, and other stakeholders to discuss the issue of packaged food and its impact on children's health.

Ms. Shruti Nagvanshi, Founder and Convener of Savitri Bai Phule Women Forum, welcomed participants, setting the stage for a crucial discussion on front-of-package labeling. The alarming statistics revealed that 61% of deaths in India are caused by non-communicable diseases, with children suffering due to malnutrition as well as obesity-related issues like high blood pressure and diabetes. The discussion highlighted the urgent need for mandatory front-of-package labeling to display excessive fat, sugar, and salt content in food products.

A technical session moderated by Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi, CEO of PVCHR, focused on the increasing disease burden among the youth. Experts like Dr. Arvind Singh (PIPAL) and Dr. Pulkit Mathur emphasized the role of ultra-processed foods and sedentary lifestyles in the obesity crisis. Consumer awareness campaigns were proposed to educate the public on the dangers of excessive sugar, salt, and fat intake.

Professor Pradeep Agarwal (AIIMS Rishikesh) conducted an interactive session with children in the audience, revealing that most of them—and their parents—were unaware of the nutritional content of packaged foods. Dr. S.K. Singh (IIPS, Mumbai) shared insights from a survey on front-labeling structures and the effectiveness of visual warnings.

Dr. Vandana Shah (Global Health Advocacy Incubator) pointed out the shift in dietary habits due to increasing workforce participation among women, leading to a reliance on packaged food. She advocated for stricter market regulations to ensure transparent labeling practices.

Shri Ashok Thakur, Director of NAFED and BJP Kisan Morcha, highlighted that 15 million children in India suffer from obesity, with the food and beverage industry producing over 34 million tons of processed food annually. He called for stronger policy frameworks and active monitoring of implementation.

A business session, moderated by Mr. Abhishek Pratap (GHAI), brought together industry leaders who agreed on setting parameters for salt, fat, and sugar content in processed foods. Civil society representatives, including Sanjay Singh (Jan Jan Jodo Abhiyan), Mr. D. Guruswamy (FIAN, Madurai), and Vikram Pandey (Indian Roti Bank), stressed the importance of FSSAI monitoring and taking legal action against misleading labeling practices.

As a way forward, participants committed to continuous discussions, awareness campaigns, and stakeholder engagements to push for effective front-of-package labeling policies, ensuring children's right to proper nutrition and safeguarding public health.

NHRC Proceedings on Packaged Food Regulation

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken significant steps in addressing concerns about ultra-processed food and front-of-package labeling (FOPNL). Following a complaint filed on September 14, 2021, regarding the health risks posed by packaged foods high in salt, fat, and sugar, the NHRC directed FSSAI to review recommendations from the scientific panel and IIM Ahmedabad. Despite multiple reminders, the requisite report has not yet been submitted, leading to further directives for compliance. The NHRC has now set a four-week deadline for FSSAI to submit the necessary findings

Conclusion

The work of PVCHR and Shri Ashok Thakur exemplifies how persistent advocacy can bring about meaningful policy changes. Their efforts in influencing the Economic Survey and advocating for the regulation of ultra-processed food underscore the power of civil society in shaping governance and public welfare. As these discussions progress, continued vigilance and action will be necessary to ensure that these policy recommendations translate into tangible benefits for the most vulnerable sections of society.

Stay tuned for further updates on this critical advocacy and its impact on national policies.

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