Q.Despite the implementation of various programmes for the eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing’. Explain by giving reasons.
Model Answer
View this Question In PYQ RealmIntroduction
According to the World Bank, poverty is a significant deprivation of well-being, encompassing multiple dimensions. It involves not only low income but also the inability to access essential goods and services required for a life of dignity. In India, the incidence of poverty has significantly decreased, falling from 55.1% in 2005-06 to 16.4% in 2019-21. This reduction can be attributed to various government initiatives such as MGNREGA, NFSA, NRLM, POSHAN Abhiyaan, and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan. However, despite these efforts, the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index 2022 reveals that India still has the highest number of poor people in the world, with 22.8 crore individuals living in poverty.
Body Analysis
Reasons for Persistent Poverty in India
- Vicious Cycle of Poverty: Low income leads to low savings, which results in low investment and low productivity, keeping families trapped in poverty across generations.
- Jobless Growth and Underemployment: Although India's GDP has grown, employment generation has not kept pace. A large portion of the workforce remains underemployed in low-productivity sectors like agriculture.
- High Informalization of Labor: Over 90% of India's workforce is in the informal sector, lacking social security, fair wages, and job stability, making them highly vulnerable to economic shocks.
- Ineffective Implementation of Schemes: Leakages, corruption, and bureaucratic hurdles often prevent the benefits of poverty alleviation schemes from reaching the actual beneficiaries.
- Inadequate Social Infrastructure: Poor access to quality healthcare and education limits human capital development. Out-of-pocket health expenditure remains a major cause of families falling back into poverty.
- Regional and Social Disparities: Poverty is highly concentrated in specific states (e.g., Bihar, Uttar Pradesh) and among marginalized social groups (Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and rural laborers).
Conclusion
While India has made commendable progress in lifting millions out of poverty, the persistence of multidimensional poverty highlights the need for structural reforms. Future strategies must focus on generating quality employment, strengthening social safety nets, improving healthcare and education, and ensuring targeted, leak-proof delivery of welfare benefits.