Examine the effects of government programs aimed at fostering the growth of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and the unorganized sector on job prospects and income stability.
Mains Answer Writing Latest Questions
Rupali SharmaBegginer
Talk on the concept of multidimensional poverty briefly. Additionally, list the government initiatives that have helped India’s multidimensional poverty decline during the past 20 years.
Khushi RatraBegginer
Discuss some latest policies implemented by (any) country’s government to reduce poverty that actually made an impact.
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The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, abbreviated as MGNREGA in India, is an excellent program that has dramatically impacted poverty. Survives rural families with 100 days of annual income. There is an infrastructure development for the rural area including roads, aqueducts, aRead more
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, abbreviated as MGNREGA in India, is an excellent program that has dramatically impacted poverty.
Survives rural families with 100 days of annual income.
There is an infrastructure development for the rural area including roads, aqueducts, and water-saving buildings.
Men’s women by leaving one-third of the positions to them.Impact fromrename.
Rural poverty has been reduced and many rural households are now able to depend on MGNREGA as their lifeline during difficult times.The project has significantly enhanced the rural infrastructure, leading to increased access to education, healthcare, and markets.
MGNREGA provides women with financial autonomy and job opportunities, which they now enjoy.
Problem:
Persistentrefund delays have negatively impacted program performance.The program prioritizes low-wage manual labor while limiting opportunities for higher-paying jobs and assisted projects.
MGNREGA has been effective in protecting the environment through water conservation and afforestation, but there are concerns about the environmental impact of some initiatives.
Through these programs, poverty has been reduced, child nutrition improved, and school attendance has increased. What are the implications?
The provision of microfinance programs to low-income individuals and companies has been effective in generating employment and equipping entrepreneurs, making them the beneficiaries of successful initiatives.
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Rajashree ShirkeLearner
Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction (1-2 Paragraphs) Context: Briefly mention India’s progress in reducing extreme poverty and the importance of addressing food insecurity and nutrition. Thesis: Acknowledge that while extreme poverty has decreased, access to healthy food remains a challenge for many, especially ...
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Model Answer Despite a reduction in extreme poverty, access to healthy food in India remains a significant challenge. Several factors contribute to this: High Inflation and Stagnant Wages Food inflation in India has consistently hovered around 8%, while real wages have remained stagnant. According tRead more
Model Answer
Despite a reduction in extreme poverty, access to healthy food in India remains a significant challenge. Several factors contribute to this:
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- High Inflation and Stagnant Wages
Food inflation in India has consistently hovered around 8%, while real wages have remained stagnant. According to the State of Working India 2023 report, earnings from regular wage and salaried work have not increased significantly between 2017-2021. This economic strain makes it difficult for many to afford nutritious food, as higher food prices outpace income growth. - Over-reliance on Rice and Wheat
India’s Public Distribution System (PDS), which serves over 80 crore people, predominantly focuses on rice and wheat. While these staples are calorie-dense, they are low in essential nutrients like zinc and iron. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has pointed out that high-yielding varieties of rice and wheat are poor at absorbing critical micronutrients from the soil, thus affecting overall nutrition levels. - Food Wastage
Inefficient post-harvest management in India leads to an annual loss of 10-25% of vegetables, exacerbating food insecurity. The lack of proper storage and transportation infrastructure means that much of the available healthy food never reaches consumers, reducing its accessibility. - Lack of Awareness About Nutrition
A significant portion of the population is unaware of balanced diets and healthy eating practices. According to reports, 85% of Indians are unaware of vegetarian protein sources, and over 50% don’t know about healthy fats, highlighting a critical knowledge gap about nutrition.
- High Inflation and Stagnant Wages
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Measures to Improve Access to Healthy Food
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- Improving Affordability
The government must focus on making nutritious food more affordable. Reforms in the PDS, including the introduction of a broader range of nutritious foods, can make a significant difference. Transparent monitoring of food inflation is also essential to ensure that prices of healthy food remain stable. - Agricultural Reforms
Incentives should be provided to diversify agriculture, encouraging the cultivation of a variety of nutrient-rich crops. Additionally, improving the storage and transportation infrastructure can help reduce food wastage and ensure more healthy food reaches the market. - Education and Awareness
Nationwide nutrition education campaigns, especially in schools and rural communities, can raise awareness about balanced diets and the importance of healthy eating. These initiatives could significantly reduce malnutrition and improve overall public health.
- Improving Affordability
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In conclusion, addressing these barriers through targeted policy changes and awareness campaigns will be critical in making healthy food accessible to all. Efforts like Mission POSHAN 2.0 and the inclusion of millets in PDS by states like Karnataka are encouraging steps forward.
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Why the gap is increasing between the rich and the poor?
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The Rising gap among the rich and The poor is generally because of Several factors like knowledge and abilities, which increases with Education. Unequal Education is the major reason for this gap. Rich people are able to get access of quality education whereas poor people are not able to get The samRead more
The Rising gap among the rich and The poor is generally because of Several factors like knowledge and abilities, which increases with Education. Unequal Education is the major reason for this gap. Rich people are able to get access of quality education whereas poor people are not able to get The same, which Ultimately leads to differences in opportunities and employment. Another factor is absence of reasonable healthcare. Rich individuals often have access to better healthcare facilities while poor individuals may strive to achieve it.
Another factor includes changing technology which is adopted by rich people due to better living standards while poor people lack in adopting changing technology. This leads to reduced opportunities for job and generation of income.
Rich individuals can also raise their income by doing investments but those who rely on their daily wages are unable to do so and may see lower incomes.
All These factors extendd the gap between the poor and The rich making it difficult for The poor to overcome their situation and The rich to face poverty in their lives..
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TeamSupreme
Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Define poverty and its importance in the context of economic development. Introduce the varying estimates of poverty in India and the general consensus on the reduction of poverty levels over time. State the thesis: While there is evidence ...
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Model Answer Introduction The measurement of poverty in India has been a subject of intense debate, with various estimates put forth by different organizations and committees. Though the methods and exact figures vary, there is a broad consensus that poverty levels have decreased over time. Body HowRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The measurement of poverty in India has been a subject of intense debate, with various estimates put forth by different organizations and committees. Though the methods and exact figures vary, there is a broad consensus that poverty levels have decreased over time.
Body
However, the rate of decrease and the disparity between urban and rural areas require critical examination.
According to the Tendulkar Committee (2009), the poverty ratio was estimated to be 29.8% in 2009-10, down from 37.2% in 2004-05. The Rangarajan Committee (2014) estimated a higher poverty ratio at 29.5% in 2011-12, but this also indicated a decline from previous years. Several key indicators reflect this decline in poverty:
- Income and Consumption: The per capita income and consumption levels have been rising over the years, indicating an overall reduction in poverty.
- Employment: There has been a gradual shift from agricultural to non-agricultural jobs, especially in urban areas, leading to higher incomes and reduced poverty.
- Education and Health: Increased access to education and healthcare has contributed to poverty reduction by enhancing people’s capabilities and opportunities.
- Public Distribution System (PDS): The government’s food security programs have been instrumental in reducing extreme poverty.
However, the decline in poverty has not been uniform across urban and rural areas:
- Rural Poverty: While poverty has decreased in rural areas due to factors such as agricultural growth and rural employment schemes like MGNREGA, the pace of reduction has been slow. Many rural households continue to suffer from low incomes, indebtedness, and lack of access to basic services.
- Urban Poverty: In urban areas, poverty has declined more rapidly due to industrialization and service sector growth. However, urban poverty is often underestimated as cost-of-living differences are not adequately considered in poverty estimates. Slums, inadequate housing, and lack of basic services remain significant challenges in urban areas.
Conclusion
While there is general agreement that poverty in India has reduced over time, the pace of reduction and the extent of poverty remain contentious issues. The disparity between urban and rural poverty underlines the need for region-specific strategies to address poverty. Additionally, the focus should not just be on income-based measures of poverty but also on multi-dimensional poverty, which includes access to basic services like education, health, sanitation, and housing.
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What are their primary concerns regarding hunger and poverty? (200 Words) [UPPSC 2018]
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India struggles with significant poverty and hunger affecting millions. Despite economic growth, 218 million Indians face food insecurity and 30% of children suffer from malnutrition. Government initiatives and social programs aim to alleviate these issues. Poverty related issues - Uneven distributRead more
India struggles with significant poverty and hunger affecting millions. Despite economic growth, 218 million Indians face food insecurity and 30% of children suffer from malnutrition. Government initiatives and social programs aim to alleviate these issues.
Poverty related issues –
- Uneven distribution of wealth, exacerbating poverty as the rich accumulate while the poor struggle.
- Insufficient quality education, hindering skill development, employability and socioeconomic mobility opportunities.
- Lack of stable, gainful employment, perpetuating poverty and limiting economic mobility opportunities.
- Insufficient access to quality medical services, exacerbating poverty through untreated illnesses and debts.
- Social exclusion and bias against marginalized groups, limiting education, employment and economic opportunities.
Hunger related issues –
- Limited access to nutritious food, causing hunger, malnutrition and vulnerability to illnesses nationwide.
- Deficiencies in essential nutrients, causing stunted growth, weakened immunity and increased mortality rates nationwide.
- Insufficient clean water access, exacerbating hunger, malnutrition and health issues, particularly in rural areas.
- Crop failures, poor productivity and limited resources hinder food production, exacerbating hunger and poverty.
- One third of produced food discarded, exacerbating hunger, resource depletion and environmental degradation unnecessarily.
India’s initiatives include the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, Public Distribution System, Mid Day Meal Scheme, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana to combat poverty and hunger.
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Manoj SinghLearner
Examine the government’s attempts to tackle the issues of environmental degradation and climate change, and evaluate the effects these initiatives are having on the food security and livelihoods of the economically disadvantaged groups.
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Government Efforts to Address Climate Change and Environmental Degradation The Indian government has undertaken a variety of initiatives to combat climate change and environmental degradation. These efforts are crucial given the country's vulnerability to environmental risks, which significantly impRead more
Government Efforts to Address Climate Change and Environmental Degradation
The Indian government has undertaken a variety of initiatives to combat climate change and environmental degradation. These efforts are crucial given the country’s vulnerability to environmental risks, which significantly impact the livelihoods and food security of economically vulnerable populations. Below, we analyze the government’s efforts, focusing on recent developments and their impacts.
1. Policy Framework and International Commitments
- National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): Launched in 2008, the NAPCC comprises eight missions aimed at promoting sustainable development while addressing climate change. Recent updates include the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which aims to reduce particulate matter pollution by 20-30% by 2024.
- India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Under the Paris Agreement, India has committed to reducing its carbon intensity by 33-35% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. This commitment was reinforced by the Panchamrit Strategy announced at COP26 in Glasgow, which includes a target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
2. Renewable Energy Initiatives
- Expansion of Solar Energy: The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission aims to increase solar power capacity to 100 GW by 2022. Recent developments include the commissioning of the world’s largest solar park in Pavagada, Karnataka, which boosts renewable energy capacity and reduces dependency on fossil fuels.
- Wind Energy Development: The government is also promoting wind energy through the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy, which seeks to optimize the use of land and grid infrastructure. Recent projects like the wind-solar hybrid plants in Tamil Nadu demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach.
3. Forest Conservation and Afforestation
- Green India Mission: This mission aims to increase forest cover and restore degraded ecosystems. Recent efforts include large-scale afforestation projects and the promotion of green cover through community-based initiatives.
- Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA): CAMPA funds afforestation and forest conservation activities. Noteworthy projects include reforestation efforts in degraded forest areas in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha.
4. Water Resource Management
- Namami Gange Programme: This initiative focuses on the rejuvenation of the Ganga River. Recent progress includes the completion of several sewage treatment plants and the implementation of riverfront development projects in Varanasi and Kanpur.
- Jal Jeevan Mission: Launched in 2019, this mission aims to provide piped water supply to all rural households by 2024. The mission is crucial for improving water access and quality, directly impacting the livelihoods of rural populations.
5. Impact on Livelihoods and Food Security
- Agriculture and Rural Livelihoods: Climate change poses a threat to agriculture through altered rainfall patterns and extreme weather events. Initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) aim to improve irrigation efficiency and resilience. The implementation of weather forecasting technologies helps farmers make informed decisions, reducing the adverse impact on their incomes.
- Disaster Management: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities have developed frameworks for climate-resilient infrastructure and emergency response. These efforts are vital for protecting the livelihoods of vulnerable populations during climate-induced disasters.
- Food Security: Programs such as the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), which provides subsidized food grains, are essential for ensuring food security during economic hardships exacerbated by environmental degradation.
Conclusion
The Indian government has made significant strides in addressing climate change and environmental degradation through comprehensive policies, renewable energy initiatives, and water resource management. While these efforts contribute to long-term sustainability, the immediate impact on economically vulnerable populations remains a concern. Programs targeting agriculture, disaster management, and food security are crucial in mitigating the adverse effects and ensuring resilience in the face of environmental challenges. Continued focus on these areas, alongside strengthening implementation and monitoring, is necessary to safeguard the livelihoods and food security of the most affected communities.
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Governments worldwide recognize the critical role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the informal sector in economic development, job creation, and income security. Several initiatives have been implemented to promote their growth and sustainability. Here’s an analysis of these initiatives aRead more
Governments worldwide recognize the critical role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the informal sector in economic development, job creation, and income security. Several initiatives have been implemented to promote their growth and sustainability. Here’s an analysis of these initiatives and their impact:
1. Financial Support and Access to Credit
Initiatives:
Impact:
2. Simplification of Regulatory Processes
Initiatives:
Impact:
3. Capacity Building and Skill Development
Initiatives:
Impact:
4. Market Access and Infrastructure Development
Initiatives:
Impact:
5. Informal Sector Integration and Support
Initiatives:
Impact:
Assessment of Overall Impact
1. Employment Opportunities:
2. Income Security:
Conclusion
Government initiatives to promote SMEs and the informal sector play a crucial role in economic development by creating employment opportunities and enhancing income security. While these efforts have led to significant positive outcomes, challenges remain in ensuring equitable access to support, effective implementation, and addressing the diverse needs of businesses across different sectors and regions. Continued adaptation and enhancement of these initiatives are essential for maximizing their impact.
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