Poverty & Developmental issues

Model Answer

1. Limited Resources: Individuals living in poverty often lack access to basic resources such as secure housing, healthcare, and education. This vulnerability makes them more susceptible to exploitation and abuse. For example, Dalit women, already marginalized by caste and gender, frequently face violence, as seen in the 2020 Hathras gang-rape case.
2. Power Dynamics: In socio-economically deprived communities, power imbalances in families, workplaces, and public spaces can expose vulnerable groups (e.g., women, children, Dalits) to violence. Gender norms that favor men and unequal access to employment can contribute to gender-based violence, such as harassment and exploitation.
3. Limited Social Support: Socio-economic deprivation strains social networks, making individuals more isolated and vulnerable. Lack of community support and weak social ties further increase the risk of becoming victims of violence.

Engagement in Violence Due to Socio-Economic Deprivation

On the other hand, socio-economic deprivation also makes individuals more likely to engage in violent behavior:

1. High Inequality: Inequitable distribution of resources breeds resentment and frustration, often leading to criminal behavior. Societies with higher income inequality tend to experience higher crime rates, as individuals feel excluded and disenfranchised, which can fuel violence.
2. Limited Opportunities: Deprivation such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of education reduces legitimate opportunities for upward social mobility. This can lead individuals to engage in violence as an alternative means to cope with their situation. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a rise in unemployment and was linked to an increase in criminal activities like theft.

Conclusion

Socio-economic deprivation creates a cycle of vulnerability and violence, where individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds face greater risks of both victimization and perpetrating violence. Addressing issues like inequality, access to resources, and social support is essential to breaking this cycle.

Model Answer

India has witnessed a significant reduction in poverty, with 24.82 crore people emerging out of multidimensional poverty between 2013-14 and 2022-23, according to NITI Aayog. This progress has led to the emergence of a newly non-poor population, who, while above the poverty line, remain vulnerable to economic shocks. To address these evolving challenges, India must reform its social protection system to cater to both chronic poverty and the vulnerabilities of the newly non-poor.

1. Shifting from Protective to Preventive Measures

India’s social protection system must move beyond protective instruments (like safety nets) to include preventive and promotional measures. These focus on enhancing the capacity of families to withstand economic shocks. By investing in human capital development—such as providing access to job opportunities and income generation—India can reduce the risk of individuals falling back into poverty. Preventive measures can cushion families against shocks before they occur, making them more resilient in the long term.

2. Expanding Insurance Coverage

Currently, only 4% of Indians benefit from government social insurance programs. Expanding insurance coverage can prevent households from relying solely on safety nets during crises, which often leads to long-term poverty and debt. Expanding contributory pension schemes, for example, can reduce the need for state welfare transfers in old age, ensuring more financial security for individuals as they grow older.

3. Engaging the Private Sector

To overcome the limitations of government resources, engaging the private sector through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) is essential. These collaborations can attract additional investments, thereby strengthening the financial resources available for social protection programs. PPPs can also help expand and improve the reach of safety nets, benefiting a wider population.

4. Portability of Benefits for Migrants

To ensure economic stability and social security for migrant populations, India should introduce portability of benefits. By allowing individuals to access their entitlements regardless of their location, such as a migrant worker in Delhi being able to access health benefits from Bihar, the country can provide greater stability and reduce disparities caused by migration.

By incorporating these reforms, India can build a social protection system that addresses both chronic poverty and the vulnerabilities of the newly non-poor, ensuring inclusive growth and social security for all.