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 by Successive Governments
- Economic Growth: Mention the reduction in extreme poverty rates over the years.
- Fact: “The percentage of people living in extreme poverty has decreased from 45% in 1994 to around 10% in 2019”.
- Social Welfare Programs: Discuss key initiatives aimed at alleviating hunger and poverty.
- Examples: MGNREGA, PDS.
- Poverty Alleviation Schemes: Highlight specific schemes like PMAY and PMJDY.
- Agricultural Initiatives: Mention programs aimed at boosting agricultural productivity.
- Example: PMKSY.
3. Challenges Faced
- Implementation Issues: Discuss the inadequacies in the execution of programs.
- Resource Constraints: Mention the lack of sufficient funding and infrastructure.
- Population Growth: Explain how increasing population exacerbates hunger and poverty.
4. Measures for Improvement
- Strengthening Social Welfare Programs: Suggest enhancing monitoring and implementation.
- Enhancing Agricultural Productivity: Recommend investment in research and infrastructure.
- Skill Development and Employment Generation: Propose initiatives for job creation and skill training.
- Universal Social Security Coverage: Advocate for comprehensive social security benefits.
- Targeted Poverty Alleviation Schemes: Emphasize the need for data-driven approaches.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage collaboration to mobilize resources effectively.
5. Conclusion
- Summary: Recap the progress made and the challenges that remain.
- Final Thought: Stress the importance of targeted interventions and collaborative efforts for effective governance.
Relevant Facts and Sources
- “The percentage of people living in extreme poverty has decreased from 45% in 1994 to around 10% in 2019.”
- “India ranks 107 out of 121 countries in the 2022 Global Hunger Index, with a child wasting rate of 19.3%.”
- “Proper WASH facilities could prevent 1.5 million deaths annually from diarrheal diseases.”
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.
Successive Indian governments have made notable efforts to combat hunger and poverty through various initiatives:
Poverty Reduction: Programs like MGNREGA, PM Awas Yojana, and Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) have aimed to enhance employment, housing, and financial inclusion.
Food Security: The National Food Security Act (NFSA) provides subsidized food to the underprivileged, aiming to reduce hunger.
Economic and Social Reforms: Skill development schemes, healthcare improvements, and educational programs have been introduced to address poverty’s root causes.
Progress and Challenges:
Poverty Reduction: Significant progress has been made, but poverty remains prevalent, especially in rural areas.
Hunger: Despite efforts, hunger and malnutrition persist, affecting particularly vulnerable groups like children and women.
Measures for Improvement:
Targeted Assistance: Improve targeting and efficiency of welfare programs to reduce leakage and ensure benefits reach the intended beneficiaries.
Integrated Approaches: Combine poverty alleviation with education, healthcare, and nutrition programs to address multiple dimensions of poverty.
Enhanced Monitoring: Strengthen monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure effective implementation and accountability.
Sustainable Development: Invest in sustainable agriculture and rural infrastructure to promote long-term economic stability and food security.
These measures could enhance the effectiveness of existing programs and help address the challenges of hunger and poverty more comprehensively.