Table of Contents:
- What is meant by “Line of Poverty”? Explain the “Poverty Alleviation” Programme of India. ( UPPSC 2020)
- What are the major challenges in reducing poverty and inequality in India? ( UPPSC 2020)
- What are the main issues related to poverty and hunger? ( UPPSC 2018)
- Mahatma Gandhi's National Rural Employment Guarantee Act empowers the rural poor to alleviate poverty, comment on it. ( UPPSC 2021)
- How the issues related to hunger and poverty in India are impinging upon electoral politics? ( UPPSC 2021)
- What are the fundamental causes of poverty and hunger? What are government schemes which have been implemented to eliminate poverty and hunger? ( UPPSC 2022)
Question.
What is meant by “Line of Poverty”? Explain the “Poverty Alleviation” Programme of India.
( UPPSC, UP PCS Mains General Studies-III/GS-3 2020)
Answer.
The “Line of Poverty” refers to a threshold or benchmark that defines the minimum level of income or consumption of goods required to meet basic needs and maintain a decent standard of living.
Globally, the poverty line is set by the World Bank. In 2022 World Bank set the line of poverty at about $2.15 earnings per day. People who are earning below $2.15 per would be considered poor. In India, the poverty line lies at 1286 rupees per month for urban areas and 1060 rupees per month for rural areas.
"No poverty" is the first goal of the United Nations' sustainable goals, which aim to be achieved by all United Nations countries by 2030, including India.
Large populations, high-income inequality, poor growth in the agriculture sector, the poor performance of the manufacturing sector, unemployment, poor literacy and skill, and lack of inclusive growth programs are major causes of poverty in India.
Poverty Alleviation is a set of steps taken to eradicate poverty in the country.
The following are some poverty Alleviation programs in India are going on;
MGNREGA; Mahatma Gandhi Rural Rojgar Guarantee Yojana(MGNREGA), ensures 100 days of employment in the rural unskilled workforce. It played a very important role in poverty reduction by providing a minimum basic income to the rural unskilled workforce.
Make In India (2014); Make in India aims to promote manufacturing activities through foreign direct investment, which will create huge employment opportunities for Indian people, and will help in the reduction of poverty.
Skill India program (2014); Skill India program empowers people by providing skills and the latest knowledge that will help them to get jobs in both formal and informal sectors of the economy.
Jan Dhan Yojna( 2014); This scheme aims for financial inclusion. Equal access to financial services like Bank accounts to all populations, especially marginalized groups like women, senior citizens, rural populations, and weaker sections of society.
Digital India program (2015); The Digital India program strengthens the digital infrastructure in rural areas and helps new areas of job opportunities and employment, which helps in the reduction of poverty.
PM Gati Shakti Yojana; This scheme aims to strengthen the infrastructure of India including roads, railways, airports, waterways, logistics, pipelines, and digital infrastructure. That will create huge direct and indirect employability in the country.
PM Awas Yojana and Housing for All; This scheme provides a pucca house in both rural and urban areas to the weaker section of the population.
Start-Up and Stand-Up India ( 2016); Focus on empowering people to earn their livelihood.
Integrated rural development program; This scheme was launched in 1978-79, to provide self-employment to the rural population, especially agriculture laborers, and small and marginal farmers.
In Conclusion, addressing poverty requires a multi-dimensional approach that focuses on inclusive growth, investment in human capital like education and health, investment in infrastructure, creating a healthy environment for business and foreign investments, and improving the governance system. The government of India has taken many steps to reduce poverty in India, which has already been mentioned above.
Question.
What are the major challenges in reducing poverty and inequality in India?
( UPPSC, UP PCS Mains General Studies-III/GS-3 2020)
Answer.
Reducing poverty and inequality is not only India's goal but also it is the United Nation's Sustainable development goal. No poverty ( Goal 1), Gender equality (Goal 5), and reduced inequality (Goal 10) are three goals that are part of 17 total United Nationals development goals.
India faces several major challenges in reducing poverty and inequality, some of the key challenges include-
Income Disparities: A large portion of the Indian population lives below the poverty line while a small portion of the population enjoys substantial wealth. Addressing income inequality requires implementing policies and programs that promote equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.
Agricultural Challenges: A large portion of the Indian population is directly or indirectly dependent on the agriculture sector. Low agriculture productivity, small land holding, lack of access to credit and market, climate changes, and uncertainty on monsoon rains are major causes of low income of farmers and also poverty in India. Growth in the agriculture sectors will ensure the wellness of farmers, which will reduce poverty and gender inequality in India.
Digital divide and digital illiteracy; A Large portion of the population especially in marginalized communities which include the rural population, women, poor, and weaker sections of societies lack digital literacy, which prevents them from accessing modern advances in information technology. Because of the digital divide, digital illiteracy, and lack of skill, the major portion of the population is not able to get the benefits of service sectors and high-tech jobs.
Rural-Urban divide; There is a significant gap between rural and urban areas in terms of access to basic services, infrastructure, and economic opportunities. Bridging the gap between the rural and urban would be crucial for reducing poverty and inequality.
Unemployment; India faces the challenges of high unemployment rates, particularly among the youth. Creating sufficient job opportunities and ensuring decent work conditions are essentials for poverty reduction and reducing income disparities.
Gender Inequality; Gender inequality remains a significant challenge in India. Women face discrimination and limited access to education, employment, and resources. Empowering women through gender-sensitive policies, promoting education, and addressing social and cultural biases are critical for reducing poverty and inequality.
Social exclusion and caste-based discrimination; The caste system in India has historically led to social exclusion and discrimination against marginalized communities. Equal opportunities to all communities and promoting social inclusion are vital for reducing poverty and inequality.
Corruption and Governance Issues: Corruption and weak governance undermine poverty reduction efforts and inequality efforts. Strengthening institutions, promoting transparency, and ensuring accountability in public administration are essential for creating an enabling healthy environment for poverty reduction and equitable development.
Climate change and Environmental sustainability; Climate changes and environmental degradation often pose significant loss, especially to poor people, and they also undermine the efforts of poverty reduction programs and equitable development. Building resilience to climate change, promoting sustainable practices, and integrating environmental considerations into development planning is crucial for poverty reduction and inequality in India.
In conclusion, we can say poverty and inequality are major problems in India. It can be solved using inclusive and sustainable development that requires a multi-faceted approach involving effective policies, inclusive governance, focus on education and healthcare, employment generation, rural development, and reducing the digital divide.
Question.
What are the main issues related to poverty and hunger?
(UPPSC, UP PCS Mains General Studies-II/GS-2 2018)
Answer.
The main issues related to poverty and hunger are multifaceted and interconnected, encompassing various economic, social, and political factors.
The following are some key issues related to poverty and hunger:
Lack of Access to Basic Resources:
Poverty and hunger are often rooted in the lack of access to basic resources such as food, clean water, healthcare, education, and sanitation. Insufficient access to these essentials perpetuates a cycle of poverty and hampers socio-economic development.
Income Inequality:
Income inequality is a significant issue that exacerbates poverty and hunger. When a small portion of the population controls a significant portion of wealth and resources, it limits the opportunities for others to escape poverty and adequately meet their basic needs.
Unemployment and Underemployment:
Lack of employment opportunities and low wages contribute to poverty and hunger. Insufficient job creation, particularly in sectors that provide sustainable livelihoods, results in high levels of unemployment and underemployment, making it difficult for individuals and families to break free from poverty.
Food Insecurity:
Inadequate access to nutritious and sufficient food is a critical aspect of the hunger problem. Factors such as insufficient agricultural productivity, climate change impacts, conflict and displacement, and limited access to markets and storage facilities can lead to food insecurity and malnutrition.
Limited Social Safety:
Inadequate social protection programs and safety nets leave vulnerable populations at risk of falling into poverty and hunger. Insufficient access to social assistance, health insurance, unemployment benefits, and other forms of support exacerbate the impacts of economic shocks and crises.
Gender Inequality:
Gender inequality is closely linked to poverty and hunger. Women and girls often face discrimination in access to education, employment, and resources, which limits their opportunities for economic empowerment and increases their vulnerability to poverty and hunger.
Conflict and Instability:
Conflict and political instability have a severe impact on poverty and hunger. Wars and civil unrest disrupt livelihoods, displace populations, damage infrastructure, and hinder agricultural production and food distribution, leading to widespread hunger and malnutrition.
Climate Change and Environmental Degradation:
Climate change and environmental degradation pose significant challenges to poverty reduction and food security. Extreme weather events, changing rainfall patterns, land degradation, and natural resource depletion can undermine agricultural productivity, increase food prices, and exacerbate poverty and hunger.
Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that includes poverty alleviation programs, investment in agriculture and rural development, job creation, social protection schemes, gender empowerment, climate change mitigation and adaptation measures, and good governance. International cooperation, policy reforms, and sustainable development initiatives are crucial in tackling poverty and hunger effectively.
Question.
Mahatma Gandhi's National Rural Employment Guarantee Act empowers the rural poor to alleviate poverty, comment on it.
( UPPSC, UP PCS Mains General Studies-II/GS-2 2021)
Answer.
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is a transformative social welfare scheme enacted by the Indian government in 2005. It aims to empower the rural poor and alleviate poverty by guaranteeing them 100 days of wage employment in a financial year. The scheme's primary objective is to provide livelihood security and promote inclusive growth in rural areas.
Here are some key ways in which Mahatma Gandhi's National Rural Employment Guarantee Act empowers the rural poor and contributes to poverty alleviation:
Employment Generation:
Mahatma Gandhi's National Rural Employment Guarantee Act ensures that rural households, particularly the poor and marginalized sections, have access to guaranteed employment opportunities. By providing wage labor, the scheme offers a source of income to rural households, reducing their vulnerability to economic shocks and enhancing their financial stability.
Social Inclusion:
The scheme focuses on inclusivity, targeting marginalized communities, women, and persons with disabilities. By ensuring equal opportunities for all, Mahatma Gandhi's National Rural Employment Guarantee Act helps in bridging the socio-economic divide and promoting social inclusion.
Asset Creation:
Mahatma Gandhi's National Rural Employment Guarantee Act projects involve activities like water conservation, land development, and rural infrastructure development. These projects lead to the creation of durable assets, such as check dams, ponds, irrigation canals, and rural roads. These assets not only improve rural infrastructure but also contribute to the long-term development of rural areas, providing further opportunities for economic growth.
Empowerment of Women:
Mahatma Gandhi's National Rural Employment Guarantee Act has a significant impact on empowering women in rural areas. By guaranteeing equal wages for men and women, it promotes gender equality and women's financial independence.
Decentralization and Local Governance:
Mahatma Gandhi's National Rural Employment Guarantee Act is implemented through local governments, encouraging decentralized planning and decision-making. This strengthens the role of panchayats (local elected bodies) and enhances community participation in developmental processes.
Drought and Distress Relief:
In times of drought or other natural disasters, Mahatma Gandhi's National Rural Employment Guarantee Act provides an essential safety net for rural communities. It becomes a crucial relief measure, helping communities cope with economic distress during difficult times.
Transparency and Accountability:
The scheme has incorporated mechanisms for transparency and accountability, ensuring that funds are utilized effectively and beneficiaries receive their entitlements. Grievance redressal mechanisms allow beneficiaries to seek remedies in case of any discrepancies.
However, despite its significant impact, Mahatma Gandhi's National Rural Employment Guarantee Act faced some challenges in its implementation. Delayed wage payments, lack of adequate monitoring, administrative inefficiencies, and corruption at the grassroots level are some of the issues that need to be addressed to further strengthen the scheme's impact on poverty alleviation.
Issues related to hunger and poverty in India have a significant impact on electoral politics. India is a vast and diverse country with a sizable population living below the poverty line and facing food insecurity. As such, these issues become crucial determinants of voter behavior, political campaigns, and policymaking.
Here are some ways in which hunger and poverty influence electoral politics in India:
Vote Bank Politics:
Political parties often try to woo specific voter segments, including the poor and marginalized communities, by making promises related to poverty alleviation, food security, and welfare schemes. Parties target these groups as potential vote banks and tailor their manifestos and campaigns to appeal to their needs and aspirations.
Schemes and Subsidies:
To address hunger and poverty, governments at the central and state levels introduce various social welfare schemes and subsidies. These programs, such as the Public Distribution System (PDS), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), and food subsidy programs, are seen as crucial lifelines for millions of poor citizens. The success or failure of these schemes can significantly impact voter sentiment and influence electoral outcomes.
Impact on Voting Behavior:
In areas where poverty and hunger are prevalent, people tend to vote based on their perception of a party's commitment to addressing these issues. Parties that have a track record of implementing effective poverty alleviation measures are often favored by voters in such regions.
Anti-Incumbency and Dissatisfaction:
If the government fails to adequately address poverty and hunger, it can lead to anti-incumbency sentiment. Voters may be dissatisfied with the ruling party's performance and opt for change, hoping that a new government will bring about better policies to address these pressing concerns.
Role of Identity Politics:
Poverty and hunger are often intertwined with caste, religion, and ethnicity in India. Political parties may exploit these social fault lines to gain support from specific communities that are disproportionately affected by poverty and hunger issues.
Populist Measures:
In some cases, political parties resort to short-term populist measures, such as direct cash transfers or free distribution of food grains, to win support during elections. While these measures may provide temporary relief, they may not always be sustainable or effective in addressing the root causes of poverty and hunger.
Rural-Urban Divide:
Poverty and hunger are more prevalent in rural areas, where a significant portion of India's population resides. Political parties often have to address the specific concerns of rural voters, including agricultural distress, access to food, and rural development, to gain electoral support.
Overall, issues related to hunger and poverty in India deeply influence electoral politics. Political parties need to address these challenges effectively to gain voter trust and support.
Question.
What are the fundamental causes of poverty and hunger? What are government schemes which have been implemented to eliminate poverty and hunger?
( UPPSC, UP PCS Mains General Studies-II/GS-2 2022)
Answer.
The causes of poverty and hunger are complex and interrelated, and they vary from region to region.
The following are some common fundamental causes of poverty and hunger:
Lack of Education:
Lack of access to quality education can perpetuate poverty by limiting opportunities for skill development and better job prospects.
Unemployment and Underemployment:
Insufficient job opportunities or low-paying jobs can trap individuals and families in a cycle of poverty.
Economic Inequality:
Unequal distribution of wealth and resources can leave a significant portion of the population in poverty and hunger while benefiting a small minority.
Lack of Access to Basic Services:
Limited access to healthcare, clean water, sanitation, and other basic services can contribute to poverty and hunger.
Environmental Factors:
Natural disasters, climate change, and environmental degradation can disrupt livelihoods and exacerbate poverty and food insecurity, particularly in agrarian communities.
Political Instability and Conflict:
Societies facing political instability and conflicts often experience higher poverty rates as resources are diverted from development to security measures.
Gender Inequality:
Discrimination against women and limited opportunities for their economic participation can perpetuate poverty in societies.
Population Growth:
Rapid population growth in certain regions can strain resources and lead to increased poverty and hunger.
Government Schemes to Eliminate Poverty and Hunger:
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA):
MGNREGA provides a legal guarantee for 100 days of wage employment to rural households per year, aimed at enhancing livelihood security and reducing poverty.
National Food Security Act (NFSA) :
The National Food Security Act (NFSA) aims to provide subsidized food grains to millions of eligible beneficiaries in India to ensure food security and eliminate hunger.
Social Safety Scheme:
Government initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Abhiyan help the poor to get health services free of cost.
Microfinance Initiatives:
Microfinance schemes provide small loans to low-income individuals and entrepreneurs, empowering them to start small businesses and improve their economic status.
Agricultural Subsidies and Support:
Agricultural subsidies and support programs aim to enhance agricultural productivity, increase farmers' income, and reduce rural poverty and hunger.
Nutrition Programs:
Governments often implement nutrition-specific programs targeting pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children to combat malnutrition and improve overall health.
These are just a few examples of government schemes and initiatives aimed at tackling poverty and hunger. However, the effectiveness of these programs depends on various factors, including proper implementation, monitoring, and continuous evaluation to address the root causes of poverty and hunger effectively.
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