Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction
- Purpose: Introduce the concept of poverty and its multidimensional nature.
- Thesis Statement: Highlight the contradiction between government efforts to eradicate poverty and the continuing prevalence of poverty in India.
2. Understanding Poverty
- Key Concept: Defining poverty beyond mere income levels.
- Fact: The World Bank describes poverty as pronounced deprivation in well-being, which includes low incomes and lack of access to basic goods and services (World Bank, 2020).
3. Narrow Definition of Poverty
- Key Concept: Limited understanding of poverty measurement.
- Fact: The Tendulkar Committee set the poverty line based on an expenditure of about Rs. 500 per capita per month, which fails to encompass broader capabilities and needs (Sen, 1999).
4. Limited Government Resources
- Key Concept: Resource allocation versus population growth.
- Fact: India’s population growth exerts tremendous demand on government resources, which remain limited (World Bank, 2020).
5. Lack of Political Will
- Key Concept: Corruption and poor governance.
- Fact: Resources are often mismanaged due to corruption and a lack of genuine political commitment to addressing poverty (Kumar, 2021).
6. Growing Income Inequality
- Key Concept: Disparity between rich and poor.
- Fact: A significant income disparity exists in India, leaving a large portion of the population struggling to meet their basic needs (Oxfam, 2022).
7. Inadequate Investment in Social Sectors
- Key Concept: Focus on immediate needs versus long-term solutions.
- Fact: Insufficient investment in education and healthcare traps the poor in a cycle of poverty, as they cannot escape the demands of immediate survival (Patel, 2021).
8. Conclusion
- Summary: Recap the main reasons for the persistence of poverty despite government initiatives.
- Final Thoughts: Emphasize the need for a holistic approach that addresses the structural causes of poverty and promotes equitable resource distribution.
Reasons for Persistent Poverty Despite Government Programs in India
Despite various government initiatives, these factors contribute to the persistence of poverty in India.
Model Answer
Introduction
Poverty in India, defined by the World Bank as pronounced deprivation in well-being, remains a significant challenge despite various government programs aimed at eradication. While the incidence of poverty decreased from 55.1% in 2005-06 to 16.4% in 2019-21, the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index 2022 indicates that India still has the largest number of poor people globally, totaling 22.8 crore.
Lack of Understanding of Poverty
A fundamental reason for the persistence of poverty is the narrow understanding of what constitutes poverty. The Tendulkar Committee defined the poverty line based on minimal expenditure, suggesting that individuals earning above Rs. 500 per capita per month are not considered poor. However, this perspective fails to address the broader capabilities needed for a dignified life, as articulated by Amartya Sen (Sen, 1999).
Limited Resources
The limited financial resources of the government, when viewed against the backdrop of a growing population, exacerbate the issue. India’s population continues to rise, placing immense pressure on already constrained government resources, which cannot adequately meet the needs of all citizens (World Bank, 2020).
Lack of Political Will
Corruption and weak institutions further hinder effective poverty alleviation. Even when resources are available, they are often mismanaged due to a lack of political will to address the underlying issues of poverty (Kumar, 2021).
Growing Inequality
Significant income disparity persists in India, with a small percentage of the population holding a majority of the wealth. This growing inequality leaves many struggling to meet basic needs, as wealth accumulation is not evenly distributed (Oxfam, 2022).
Inadequate Investment in Social Sectors
Investment in essential social sectors like education and healthcare has been insufficient. Consequently, the poor remain trapped in a cycle of poverty, as their limited resources are spent only on immediate needs (Patel, 2021).
Conclusion
To combat poverty effectively, India must broaden its understanding of poverty, ensure equitable resource distribution, invest in social sectors, and eliminate corruption. A comprehensive and inclusive approach is crucial for sustainable poverty eradication.