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 ...
Mains Answer Writing Latest Questions
Uday BhatiaBegginer
Talk about the government’s initiatives, such as the One Nation One Ration Card program, to ensure that migrant workers have access to essential services and possibilities for employment while addressing the issues associated with movement from rural to urban areas.
Dhruv KapoorLearner
Despite producing enough food grains to feed all 1.38 billion people, India continues to rank low on the Global Hunger Index. Analyze critically.
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In India, food-grain production increased from 217 million tonnes in 2006-07 to 275.11 million tonnes in 2016-17. The government proudly concluded that the country was not only self-sufficient but had enough to export. Despite tonnes of food grains being stored in the government godowns across the cRead more
In India, food-grain production increased from 217 million tonnes in 2006-07 to 275.11 million tonnes in 2016-17. The government proudly concluded that the country was not only self-sufficient but had enough to export. Despite tonnes of food grains being stored in the government godowns across the country, India ranks 102 out of 117 countries in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2019. It is much below to its South Asian neighbours such as Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
Hunger In India
- India’s stunting rate of children under the age of five, owing to a combination of low calories and low micronutrient intake, was 37.9 percent according to GHI 2019.
- The wasting level in India is extremely high, at 20.8 per cent.
- The GHI report stated that some 9.6 percent of children between 6 and 23 months received a minimum acceptable diet.
- As per the Global Nutrition Report, India ranks 170th out of 185 countries on the prevalence of anaemia. Anaemia continues to affect 50 per cent of women, including pregnant women, and 60 percent of children in the country.
Causes Of Hunger Despite Surplus Food Grains Production
- A complex system of procurement and distribution: The distribution of food grain is based on a complex system of classification of and distribution to different sections of the people: Above Poverty Line (APL), Below Poverty Line (BPL), Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Open Market Sales.
- Internal Migration: Due to migration and absence of permanent residence, it is difficult for people to access their food grains. Current PDS system provides food grains only at registered addresses and specific fair price shops.
- Black marketing, corruption and leakages: PDS is yet to be fully digitised. Therefore there is a huge scope of corruption. Lack of storage infrastructure leads to wastage of huge amounts of food grains every year.
- Prevailing social practices: Because of certain social and cultural practices, nutritious food does not reach the needy especially women and children. For example, women of the family eat after men, limited dietary options leading to insufficient nutrient consumption.
- Lack of localised infrastructure and decentralisation: It leads to bureaucratic and transportation delays and affects the timely availability of food grains.
- Food security is not nutritional security: PDS system usually provide wheat and rice. Pulses and other protein sources are not as cheaply available as wheat and rice. Limited options lead to hidden hunger in the form of nutritional deficiencies.
Achievements Of India
Though prima facie data and statistics present a stark picture, there are hundreds of government initiatives and schemes which significantly improved the situation of India since independence.
- The prevalence of malnutrition in children 6-59 months in India has declined between 2005-06 to 2015-16 with chronic malnutrition decreasing from 48.0 percent to 38.4 percent and underweight decreasing from 42.5 percent to 35.7 percent.
- Stunting has declined by one fifth during the last decade with an annual decline of around one percent. The POSHAN Abhiyan targets to decline stunting from 30 percent to 25 percent by 2022.
- The introduction of mid-day meals at schools and Anganwadi systems to provide rations to pregnant and lactating mothers are also giving positive results.
- Implementation of the National Food Security Act 2013 is the largest step taken to provide food security to more than 60% of the population.
- Direct benefit transfer of up to 6000 rupees to new mothers under various schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Matritave Vandana Yojana, etc is also helping in the improvement of women by giving them the choice of diet selection.
Measures For Further Improvements
- Digitisation of ration cards and PDS system will help in improving the efficiency of service delivery. Also, duplication of beneficiaries will be reduced giving space to the inclusion of hitherto left out needy populations.
- “One nation One Ration” should be implemented on mission mode to enable accessibility throughout India.
- Food security should be addressed along with nutritional security.
- Awareness about healthy food habits and diverse varieties of nutritious meals will also help in the reduction of hidden hunger.
Goal 2 of the 2030 Sustainable Development agenda seeks to end hunger and all forms of malnutrition and double agricultural productivity in the next 15 years. Ensuring this sustainable access to nutritious food universally will require sustainable food production as well as efficient government policies.
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Ayon IyengarLearner
Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Define poverty and the concept of Below Poverty Line (BPL) estimation in India. Mention key committees responsible for determining poverty lines (e.g., Lakdawala, Tendulkar, Rangarajan). 2. Criticisms of BPL Estimation Regional Variations: Highlight how the BPL method doesn’t account ...
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Model Answer Criticisms of Below Poverty Line (BPL) Estimations in India Regional Variations BPL estimations often fail to account for regional price differences and consumption patterns. The poverty line basket (PLB) does not reflect the variations in cost of living, nutrition, and other factors thRead more
Model Answer
Criticisms of Below Poverty Line (BPL) Estimations in India
- Regional Variations
BPL estimations often fail to account for regional price differences and consumption patterns. The poverty line basket (PLB) does not reflect the variations in cost of living, nutrition, and other factors that differ across states and periods. This leads to an inaccurate assessment of poverty levels, as needs and prices vary significantly. - Outdated and Unrealistic Poverty Lines
The poverty lines used for BPL calculations are considered outdated and unrealistic. They fail to adjust for the changing cost of living, socio-economic conditions, and inflation, leading to an underestimation of the poverty levels. - Divergence in Data
The poverty rates derived from different methods (calorie intake vs. per capita expenditures) show significant divergences. The “direct” method, based on actual calorie intake, often conflicts with the “indirect” method, which uses consumption expenditure data and periodically updated poverty lines, leading to inconsistencies in measuring poverty. - Narrow Approach
The BPL approach largely focuses on income or expenditure as indicators of poverty. However, poverty is multi-dimensional, encompassing factors like health, education, access to clean water, and quality of work, none of which are adequately considered in the BPL estimations. - Static Framework
The BPL method does not capture improvements in public services like education, health, and food security. As a result, it does not reflect the actual well-being of households, which may benefit from government programs even if their reported consumption is low.
Efforts for Improvement
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To overcome these shortcomings, there is a shift towards more comprehensive poverty measures like the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), which includes deprivations in areas such as health, education, and living standards - Regional Variations
Ayon IyengarLearner
Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Briefly introduce the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 as a landmark step aimed at providing subsidized food grains to a large proportion of the Indian population. Mention its objective of addressing hunger, malnutrition, and poverty in ...
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Model Answer Challenges in the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, was a major step towards reducing hunger and malnutrition in India by providing subsidized food to 67% of the population. However, several challenges undermine its effectiveness: InadeRead more
Model Answer
Challenges in the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013
The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, was a major step towards reducing hunger and malnutrition in India by providing subsidized food to 67% of the population. However, several challenges undermine its effectiveness:
- Inadequate Infrastructure: Many Anganwadi centers, crucial for implementing nutritional care, suffer from poor sanitation, insufficient staff, and lack of clean drinking waterStorage and Wastage: The Food Corporation of India faces significant issues with inadequate storage facilities, leading to grain wastage due to rot and pilferage .
- Awareness**: Many beneficiaries, especially migrant workers, are unaware of their entitlements under schemes like the One Nation One Ration Card .
- Exclus: The digitalization of entitlements through Aadhaar has led to exclusion due to technical issues like fingerprint or iris scan mismatches .
- **Nutritional Def The focus on food grains does not address the broader needs for a balanced, nutritious diet necessary for proper cognitive and physical development .
Measures to Improve EffectivenStrengthen Infrastructure**: Improve the infrastructure of Anganwadi centers and public distribution systems to ensure the efficient delivery of food and nutritional services .
- Increase Storage Capacity: Addressge deficiencies to prevent wastage and ensure that food grains are stored in suitable conditions .
- Raise Awareness: Launch nationwide awareness, especially for migrant workers, about the benefits available under various schemes .
- Resolve Exclusion Issues: Streamline the digitalizats and resolve technical issues with Aadhaar-linked schemes to ensure inclusivity .
- Focus on Nutrition: Expand the scope of the NFSA to include anutritional diet rather than just food grains to improve health outcomes, especially for children and pregnant women .
Addressing these challenges is crucial for the NFSA to meet its goal of proviehensive food and nutritional security to India’s vulnerable populations.
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Swapna SundariLearner
Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction: Start by acknowledging the significance of poverty and hunger as pervasive challenges in India. Highlight how these issues manifest differently in urban and rural contexts due to various socio-economic factors. Employment and Livelihoods: Rural Areas: Focus on dependence on agriculture (47% ...
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Model Answer Poverty and hunger manifest differently in urban and rural areas of India due to varying socio-economic conditions, employment structures, and access to resources. 1. Employment and Livelihoods: In rural areas, about 47% of the population depends on agriculture, making them vulnerable tRead more
Model Answer
Poverty and hunger manifest differently in urban and rural areas of India due to varying socio-economic conditions, employment structures, and access to resources.
1. Employment and Livelihoods: In rural areas, about 47% of the population depends on agriculture, making them vulnerable to erratic weather patterns, land fragmentation, and other agricultural challenges. This leads to income instability and food insecurity. In contrast, urban areas, with their wide variety of job opportunities, still suffer from a high percentage (81%) of informal workers facing lower wages and a lack of social security, leading to precarious living conditions.
2. Access to Resources: Rural areas often have limited access to healthcare, education, and sanitation, trapping the poor in cycles of deprivation. Climate change impacts, such as droughts and floods, exacerbate these vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, urban areas suffer from spatial inequalities, leading to inadequate infrastructure and sanitation, which negatively affects food security and health, with high living costs further compounding these issues.
3. Social Exclusion and Isolation: In rural areas, caste and gender inequalities amplify poverty and hunger, limiting access to resources and opportunities for marginalized groups. Conversely, urban poverty is marked by social isolation due to the transient nature of urban life, leading to a lack of support networks for the poor.
4. Standard of Living: Rural areas, despite lower living standards, tend to have less stratification between different economic groups compared to urban areas, where a stark divide exists between the rich and poor. Around 100 million people in urban India live in slums, lacking basic amenities.
5. Food Insecurity: In rural areas, visible hunger and malnutrition are widespread, with insufficient calorie intake being a significant issue. Urban areas, while having sufficient calorie intake, suffer from “hidden hunger” due to poor dietary choices and micronutrient deficiencies.
Addressing these differences requires targeted policy interventions, focusing on infrastructure, social inclusion, education, and healthcare to effectively tackle the unique challenges faced by both urban and rural populations.
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Krishana LalBegginer
The effectiveness of policy interventions to reduce the threat of hunger and starvation is a prerequisite for the eradication of hunger. Talk about the worries sparked by the most recent news on India’s hunger crisis in this perspective.(250 words)
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Answer: India slipped to 101st rank out of 116 countries in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2021, from its earlier position of 94th out of 107 countries in 2020. India is trailing behind Pakistan (92), Bangladesh (76) and Nepal (76). Further, according to FAO estimates in "The State of Food Security aRead more
Answer: India slipped to 101st rank out of 116 countries in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2021, from its earlier position of 94th out of 107 countries in 2020. India is trailing behind Pakistan (92), Bangladesh (76) and Nepal (76). Further, according to FAO estimates in “The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World, 2020 report, 189.2 million people are undernourished in India. Concerns raised by the recent reports on the hunger situation in India are:
- Wasting (low weight for height) among children increased from 17.1% between 1998 and 2002 to 17.3% between 2016 and 2020.
- Conflict, climate change, and COVID-19 (3Cs) threaten to wipe out any progress that has been made against hunger in recent years.
- Despite showing improvement in indicators such as the under-5 mortality rate, there is still a prevalence of stunting among children and a prevalence of undernourishment owing to inadequate food intake.
- According to a World Bank report, malnutrition in India is two to seven times higher than in other BRICS member countries.
Some policy interventions undertaken to curb the menace of hunger and starvation include:
- POSHAN Abhiyaan, launched in 2018, is a multi-ministerial convergence mission with the vision to ensure the attainment of a malnutrition-free India by 2022 in a phased manner through a life cycle approach by adopting a synergized and result-oriented approach.
- Mid-day meals in primary and upper primary schools along with anganwadis have played an important role in monitoring and supplementing efforts to reduce malnutrition through free food for children (and pregnant as well as lactating women).
- The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme, is one of the flagship programs of the government to improve the nutritional and health status of children in the age group of 0-6 years.
Reasons for the persistence of hunger in India despite various measures are:
- Due to policy inadequacy:
- Weak implementation of schemes: It is a direct result of various factors such as a top-down approach, poor implementation processes, lack of effective monitoring, siloed approaches, shortage of qualified human resources, etc.
- Social structure: Several schemes do not reach large sections of the population, especially marginalized tribes, and Dalits, who find themselves ostracized by the distribution system.
- Other reasons:
- Food wastage: India wastes about 7% of its total annual food production and almost 30% of its fruits and vegetables because of inadequate warehousing facilities and cold storage.
- Low status of women: Indian women’s nutrition, feeding and caring practices for young children are inadequate. This is due to their status in society, the practice of early marriage, low weight during pregnancy, and their lower level of education.
- Shifts in diet and lifestyle patterns: More consumption of food and drinks high in fat, sugar, and salt, as they are cheaper and more readily available.
To eradicate hunger, the government needs to re-activate and scale up services for the early detection and treatment of child wasting, organize regular orientation programs, use information technology to improve program monitoring, design more efficient integrated schemes for food production, processing, and preservation, and bring about behavioral changes among the population.
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Aakash GuptaBegginer
Examine how the government’s efforts to fortify the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) and the Public Distribution System (PDS) would affect hunger reduction and food security, especially in light of the COVID-19 epidemic.
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The Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) and the Public Distribution System (PDS) are critical mechanisms for ensuring food security and reducing hunger, particularly during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Government efforts to fortify these systems can have significant impacts on hungerRead more
The Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) and the Public Distribution System (PDS) are critical mechanisms for ensuring food security and reducing hunger, particularly during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Government efforts to fortify these systems can have significant impacts on hunger reduction and food security in several ways:
- Strengthening the TPDS and PDS involves expanding their reach to include more beneficiaries, particularly marginalized and vulnerable populations who may have been previously excluded. This expansion ensures that more households have access to essential food grains and other commodities at subsidized rates.
- Governments can enhance identification mechanisms to ensure that the right beneficiaries are targeted. Leveraging technology, such as biometric authentication and digital ration cards, helps minimize errors of inclusion and exclusion, ensuring that the intended recipients receive the benefits.
- In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many governments increased the allocation of food grains under the TPDS and PDS. This ensured that households, particularly those impacted by job losses and economic downturns, had a steady supply of essential food items.
- Integrating technology into the TPDS and PDS, such as using GPS for tracking deliveries and digital payments, increases transparency and reduces corruption. These innovations ensure that food grains reach the intended beneficiaries without leakages.
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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Aakash GuptaBegginer
Examine how the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) are being implemented effectively by the government, and consider how they can help combat poverty and food insecurity.
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The government has made significant efforts to ensure the effective implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA). Both acts are crucial in addressing poverty and food insecurity, and their effective implementation is key to their sucRead more
The government has made significant efforts to ensure the effective implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA). Both acts are crucial in addressing poverty and food insecurity, and their effective implementation is key to their success. Here’s an analysis of these efforts and their roles:
National Food Security Act (NFSA)
Overview:
The NFSA, enacted in 2013, aims to provide food security to the population by ensuring access to subsidized food grains. It covers up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population. The key provisions include:Entitlements:
Subsidized Food Grains: Provides rice, wheat, and coarse cereals at highly subsidized rates (Rs. 3/kg for rice, Rs. 2/kg for wheat, and Rs. 1/kg for coarse cereals).
Nutritional Support: Special provisions for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under six years old, including free meals and supplements.
Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS):Identification of Beneficiaries: Implemented through a system that includes both the Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiaries.
Grievance Redressal:Redressal Mechanisms: Establishment of grievance redressal mechanisms to address issues related to food distribution.
Implementation Efforts:Digitalization:
Aadhaar Linking: Linking ration cards with Aadhaar to minimize duplication and ensure accurate distribution.
ePOS Devices: Introduction of electronic point-of-sale devices in fair price shops for better tracking and accountability.
Transparency and Accountability:Public Display of Information: Mandating the display of information about beneficiaries and entitlements at fair price shops.
Monitoring Mechanisms: Implementation of monitoring systems to ensure proper distribution and address discrepancies.
Awareness Campaigns:Educational Programs: Running awareness campaigns to inform beneficiaries about their rights and the benefits available under NFSA.
Impact:Food Security: NFSA has contributed to improved food security for millions of people by providing subsidized food grains.
Reduction in Hunger: Increased access to food has helped in reducing hunger and improving nutritional outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Challenges:Implementation Issues: Variability in the effectiveness of implementation across states, including issues like leakage and fraud.
Coverage Gaps: Some eligible beneficiaries may still be excluded or face difficulties accessing their entitlements.
National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) – Now MGNREGA
Overview:
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), enacted in 2005, provides a legal guarantee for at least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every rural household. Key provisions include:Employment Guarantee:
Minimum Wage: Ensures minimum wage employment for eligible households.
Types of Work: Work includes various public works like road construction, water conservation, and land development.
Social Security:Income Security: Provides a safety net for rural households by ensuring access to wage employment.
Implementation Efforts:Decentralized Planning:
Gram Panchayats: Involves local governance institutions like Gram Panchayats in planning and implementing projects, ensuring that the work aligns with local needs.
Transparency Measures:Social Audits: Regular social audits and transparency measures to monitor the implementation and prevent corruption.
Online Systems: Implementation of online management systems for tracking and transparency.
Capacity Building:Training Programs: Providing training to local officials and workers to enhance the effectiveness of the program.
Impact:Poverty Alleviation: MGNREGA has played a significant role in alleviating poverty by providing wage employment to rural households and enhancing their income security.
Infrastructure Development: Contributed to the development of rural infrastructure, including roads, water resources, and land improvements.
Social Protection: Provides a safety net during times of economic distress, reducing the vulnerability of rural households.
Challenges:Implementation Gaps: Issues such as delays in wage payments, corruption, and inefficiencies in project execution.
Quality of Work: Concerns about the quality and sustainability of the infrastructure created under the program.
Summary
NFSA and MGNREGA have been instrumental in addressing food insecurity and poverty:NFSA has improved access to affordable food and contributed to better nutritional outcomes for vulnerable populations.
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MGNREGA has provided income security through wage employment and contributed to rural infrastructure development.
Challenges in both programs, such as implementation gaps and inefficiencies, need to be continuously addressed through better monitoring, transparency, and capacity-building efforts to enhance their effectiveness and impact.
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:
However, the decline in poverty has not been uniform across urban and rural 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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