Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction Contextual Background: Introduce the growing divergence between poverty and hunger in India. Thesis Statement: State that shrinking social expenditure is a significant factor forcing the poor to allocate more of their income to non-food essentials, thereby squeezing their ...
Model Answer Introduction The United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) provides a more nuanced understanding of poverty by assessing various aspects of well-being beyond mere income levels. The MPI evaluates three key dimensions: health, education, and standard of living, using ten specifRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) provides a more nuanced understanding of poverty by assessing various aspects of well-being beyond mere income levels. The MPI evaluates three key dimensions: health, education, and standard of living, using ten specific indicators. This comprehensive approach emphasizes the importance of both the incidence and intensity of poverty.
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Global Poverty Trends
The latest MPI report indicates significant progress in reducing multidimensional poverty globally. Many countries have successfully decreased both the incidence (the number of people living in poverty) and the intensity (the severity of deprivations experienced) of poverty over time. For instance, 25 countries have halved their MPI values within 15 years, demonstrating that substantial progress is achievable.
Regional Differences
The report highlights stark regional disparities in poverty levels. Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia continue to experience high rates of multidimensional poverty, necessitating targeted interventions to address the multiple deprivations faced by these populations.
Vulnerable Populations
The MPI identifies vulnerable groups, including women, children, and rural inhabitants, who often endure higher levels of multidimensional poverty. This insight is crucial for policymakers aiming to design effective poverty reduction strategies that specifically target these demographics.
Disaggregated Data
The report provides disaggregated data by gender, age, and geographical location, allowing for a detailed understanding of the specific deprivations faced by different segments of the population. This granularity enables the formulation of tailored interventions to combat poverty effectively.
Policy Implications
Insights from the MPI report can guide policymakers in identifying pressing deprivations within their countries. By focusing on the multidimensional aspects of poverty, they can develop targeted policies and interventions that address the root causes of poverty more effectively.
Conclusion
The United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index Report underscores the necessity of moving beyond income-based measures to grasp the complex nature of poverty. By considering both the incidence and intensity of deprivations, the MPI offers a comprehensive view that can inform targeted strategies to alleviate poverty and enhance overall well-being.
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Model Answer Introduction India has witnessed a growing divergence between poverty and hunger, where reductions in poverty rates do not correspond with declines in hunger levels. A critical factor in this divergence is the shrinking social expenditure by the government, which compels the poor to speRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
India has witnessed a growing divergence between poverty and hunger, where reductions in poverty rates do not correspond with declines in hunger levels. A critical factor in this divergence is the shrinking social expenditure by the government, which compels the poor to spend more on non-food essentials, thereby squeezing their food budgets.
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1. Trends in Poverty and Hunger
While poverty rates have decreased in India, hunger remains a pressing issue. According to the Global Hunger Index 2020, India ranks 94th out of 107 countries, indicating a serious level of hunger. The report highlights alarming rates of child wasting and stunting, reflecting ongoing malnutrition issues.
2. Impact of Shrinking Social Expenditure
The decline in government social expenditure is a primary driver of this divergence. Fiscal constraints and changing policy priorities have led to reduced investments in essential social services such as healthcare, education, and housing. A report by Oxfam India points out that spending on health, education, and social protection as a percentage of GDP has been consistently declining.
3. Consequences for the Poor
This reduction in social spending disproportionately impacts the poor, who rely heavily on public services for their basic needs. As a result, they are forced to allocate a larger portion of their income to non-food essentials like healthcare and education. Consequently, less income is available for food, leading to a squeezed food budget. This situation exacerbates inadequate access to nutritious food, further increasing hunger and malnutrition among vulnerable populations.
Conclusion
To address the growing divergence between poverty and hunger in India, it is essential to enhance social expenditure. Adequate investment in social services will empower the poor to access essential needs without compromising their food budgets. Such measures are crucial for alleviating hunger and fostering inclusive, sustainable development outcomes.
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