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Studies of undernutrition in India (and elsewhere) have focused exclusively on interpersonal inequalities, and estimates of the magnitude of inter-group inequalities are unavailable. A focus on “horizontal”, or group-based, inequalities offers vital policy insights that would be lost in an approach based purely on interpersonal inequalities. We therefore apply the group analogues of Atkinson's index and the Gini coefficient to shed light on the disproportionate burden of undernourishment borne by rural and historically vulnerable caste groups. Furthermore, the prominent determinants of inter-group disparities are identified through Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition analysis. The paper calls for explicit targeting of backward castes across the country and improved inter-sectoral collaboration to ensure equitable access to education, health care and water and sanitation, particularly across underdeveloped regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is an illustrative note on application of Foster Greer Thorbecke (FGT) criterion to measurement and comparison of undernourishment among children. Given the semblance between head-count measure of poverty and measuring undernourishment among children, there arises a need for application of FGT criterion in assessment of undernourishment as well. This not only helps in assessing intensity and inequality aspect but also can adjust the head count accounting for both to make a valid comparison on levels of undernourishment across situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]