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.
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.
TeamSupreme
Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Purpose: Introduce the concept of multidimensional poverty and its significance. Thesis Statement: State that the United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) provides a broader understanding of poverty by assessing both incidence and intensity rather than relying solely ...
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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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Reena BhattBegginer
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 ...
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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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TeamSupreme
Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Define hunger and its significance in the Indian context. Introduce the debate on whether the lack of food availability is the main cause of hunger or if it diverts attention from ineffective human development policies. State your position ...
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Model Answer Introduction The 2022 Global Hunger Index ranks India 107th out of 121 countries, revealing a critical hunger crisis. With the world’s highest child wasting rate at 19.3%, the issue extends beyond mere food scarcity. It is a complex interplay of socio-economic factors, health and sanitaRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The 2022 Global Hunger Index ranks India 107th out of 121 countries, revealing a critical hunger crisis. With the world’s highest child wasting rate at 19.3%, the issue extends beyond mere food scarcity. It is a complex interplay of socio-economic factors, health and sanitation issues, and human development policies. Therefore, a comprehensive approach is vital to holistically address India’s hunger challenge.
Impact of Ineffective Human Development Policies
1. Education
Limited access to quality education severely impacts individuals’ ability to make informed choices about nutrition and health. Poor implementation of The Right to Education Act has resulted in low literacy rates, which correlates with limited knowledge of health and nutrition. According to the National Sample Survey, illiteracy contributes significantly to cycles of hunger and malnutrition .
2. Health
Weak healthcare infrastructure exacerbates hunger and malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable groups like pregnant women and children. Despite initiatives like the National Health Mission, shortages of healthcare professionals and restricted access to primary healthcare in rural areas contribute to high maternal and child mortality rates. The Registrar General of India reports that maternal mortality remains a pressing issue, largely tied to inadequate healthcare services.
3. Social Protection
Insufficient social protection programs hinder support for vulnerable populations, pushing them deeper into poverty. For instance, the Public Distribution System (PDS), intended to provide subsidized food, suffers from leakages and corruption, limiting its efficacy in reducing hunger. A study by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) indicates that inefficiencies in PDS undermine food security efforts.
Interconnectedness of Food Availability and Human Development Policies
While policies like the National Food Security Act aim to provide subsidized food, their effectiveness hinges on coordination with human development policies. Additionally, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has improved rural connectivity, enhancing access to markets, healthcare, and education, thus contributing to overall well-being.
Conclusion
Focusing solely on food availability as the main cause of hunger overshadows the critical role of ineffective human development policies. A comprehensive approach that integrates food security with education, health, social protection, and infrastructure development is essential to effectively tackle hunger and malnutrition in India.
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Reena BhattBegginer
Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Context: Briefly introduce the significance of hunger and poverty in India as major governance challenges. Thesis Statement: State that the evaluation will focus on the progress made by successive governments and suggest measures for improvement. 2. Progress Made ...
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Model Answer Introduction Despite India's economic advancements, the nation still grapples with severe hunger and poverty issues. The 2022 Global Hunger Index ranks India 107 out of 121 countries, with a staggering 19.3% child wasting rate, the highest globally. Moreover, while poverty rates have deRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Despite India’s economic advancements, the nation still grapples with severe hunger and poverty issues. The 2022 Global Hunger Index ranks India 107 out of 121 countries, with a staggering 19.3% child wasting rate, the highest globally. Moreover, while poverty rates have declined, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation, pushing many back into extreme poverty. These challenges highlight the urgent need for comprehensive and inclusive policies.
Progress Made by Successive Governments
Economic Growth
According to the World Bank, the percentage of people living in extreme poverty has significantly decreased from 45% in 1994 to around 10% in 2019, reflecting positive economic trends.
Social Welfare Programs
Governments have launched various initiatives to combat hunger and poverty, such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which guarantees 100 days of wage employment annually to rural households. The Public Distribution System (PDS) also provides subsidized food grains to vulnerable populations.
Poverty Alleviation Schemes
Key schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) for affordable housing and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) for financial inclusion, have been implemented to alleviate poverty.
Agricultural Focus
Initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) aim to enhance agricultural productivity, contributing to poverty reduction.
Despite these efforts, hunger and poverty persist due to inadequate implementation, resource constraints, and population growth.
Measures for Improvement
Strengthening Social Welfare Programs
Enhancing the implementation and monitoring of MGNREGA and PDS is crucial to ensure benefits reach intended beneficiaries.
Enhancing Agricultural Productivity
Investing in agricultural research and infrastructure can boost productivity and income, further reducing poverty.
Skill Development and Employment Generation
Fostering employment opportunities and promoting skill development can uplift people from poverty and mitigate hunger.
Universal Social Security Coverage
Ensuring universal access to social security benefits, such as pensions and healthcare, can protect vulnerable populations.
Targeted Poverty Alleviation Schemes
Implementing data-driven, targeted poverty alleviation schemes can maximize government efforts.
Public-Private Partnerships
Encouraging collaborations among government, private sectors, and civil society can mobilize resources and expertise effectively.
Conclusion
While significant progress has been made in addressing hunger and poverty, substantial challenges remain. Improved implementation, targeted interventions, and collaborative efforts are essential for India to overcome these critical issues and ensure good governance.
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TeamSupreme
Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Context: Introduce the significance of poverty alleviation in India and the challenges faced. Thesis Statement: State that the effectiveness of these programs is often undermined by insufficient political will. 2. Overview of Major Poverty Alleviation Programs Mahatma Gandhi National ...
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Model Answer Introduction India continues to face significant challenges related to poverty and inequality, despite the implementation of numerous poverty alleviation programs. The effectiveness of these initiatives is often hindered by insufficient political commitment. According to World Bank dataRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
India continues to face significant challenges related to poverty and inequality, despite the implementation of numerous poverty alleviation programs. The effectiveness of these initiatives is often hindered by insufficient political commitment. According to World Bank data, while there has been a gradual decline in poverty rates, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues, highlighting the need for robust political will to drive systemic reforms aimed at poverty alleviation.
Major Poverty Alleviation Programs
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
Launched in 2006, MGNREGA aims to provide at least 100 days of wage employment per year to rural households. However, its implementation has faced challenges, including corruption and delays in wage payments. A report by the Accountability Initiative in 2020 noted that only 32% of payments were made on time during the fiscal year 2019-20, and the average days of employment provided per household fell short of the mandated 100 days due to inadequate budget allocations.
Public Distribution System (PDS)
The PDS provides subsidized food grains to vulnerable populations. While it has contributed to food security, inefficiencies and corruption plague the system. The Economic Survey 2015-16 reported that nearly 54% of wheat and 48% of sugar allocated to the PDS was lost due to leakages. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) also highlighted significant diversions of PDS grains for open market sales.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)
Launched in 2015, PMAY aims to provide affordable housing to the urban and rural poor. Despite progress, the demand for housing far exceeds supply. A CAG report indicated that only 1.2 crore houses were completed under PMAY (Rural) against a target of 2.6 crores, and as of January 2021, only about 32.6 lakh houses were completed under PMAY (Urban).
Role of Political Will
Implementation
Strong political will is essential for the effective implementation of programs like MGNREGA, ensuring timely wage payments and proper monitoring.
Resource Allocation
Political commitment is crucial for allocating adequate resources to poverty alleviation programs. For instance, in the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), political will facilitates the opening of bank accounts and promotes awareness among marginalized communities.
Monitoring and Evaluation
With political backing, programs can be effectively monitored, enabling data-driven decision-making. The National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) exemplifies this, as political will is vital for resource allocation and monitoring progress.
Tackling Corruption
Political will is necessary to combat corruption that undermines the effectiveness of poverty alleviation programs. Initiatives like Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) require political commitment to ensure accurate targeting of beneficiaries and address challenges during implementation .
Conclusion
For poverty alleviation programs in India to transition from mere showpieces to effective instruments for social progress, steadfast political commitment is essential. Only with strong political will can these initiatives achieve their intended outcomes and significantly reduce poverty.
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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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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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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.
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