‘Despite the implementation of various programs for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing’. Explain by giving reasons. (10 marks, 150 words)

In India, despite the earnest efforts of the government through the implementation of numerous poverty eradication programs, the persisting specter of poverty remains a stark reality. While these initiatives have undoubtedly made commendable strides in certain areas, the multifaceted nature of poverty, coupled with systemic challenges, hinders their complete success. One fundamental reason for the continued existence of poverty is the vast economic disparity prevailing across the nation. The uneven distribution of wealth and resources exacerbates the gap between the affluent and the marginalized, perpetuating cycles of deprivation. Additionally, issues such as inadequate access to quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities persistently afflict vulnerable populations. Moreover, bureaucratic inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement in the implementation of welfare schemes often impede their intended impact, further impinging on the efficacy of poverty alleviation efforts. The intricate web of socio-economic challenges demands a holistic and targeted approach to address the root causes of poverty, ensuring sustained progress in the quest for a poverty-free India.

Tag: Poverty and Developmental Issues.  

Decoding the Question:  

• In the Introduction, try to start with how poverty is a major challenge and despite showing a decreasing trend with the help of various schemes, it still exists.  
• In Body, elaborate the reasons for the continuance of poverty even after so many programs and schemes.  
• In Conclusion, mention the potential of MGNREGA and Garib Kalyan Rozgar Abhiyan (GKRA) to reduce poverty.  

Answer:  

Poverty is a social and economic condition in which a part of society is unable to fulfill its basic requirements. Reducing poverty has become an international concern as SDG 1 targets to end poverty in all its forms everywhere. 

India is struggling to provide basic services and infrastructure to its population. India continues to have a large population, which is certainly not being able to afford basic things. This is, despite multidimensional poverty almost halved between 2005-06 and 2015-16, climbing down to 27.5%. But still, poverty exists, even with the various schemes and policies.   

Here are some key government schemes aimed at poverty eradication in India:

1. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): This flagship program guarantees 100 days of wage employment per year to rural households. It aims to provide livelihood security and enhance rural infrastructure.
2. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): This financial inclusion program aims to provide access to banking services, including savings accounts, insurance, and pensions, to unbanked individuals, particularly in rural areas.
3. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): This housing scheme aims to provide affordable housing to urban and rural poor by offering financial assistance and subsidies for constructing or renovating homes.
4. National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM): This program focuses on poverty alleviation through self-employment and skill development of rural households. It provides financial support, training, and market access to promote entrepreneurship.
5. National Social Assistance Program (NSAP): NSAP includes various social welfare programs such as the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, National Family Benefit Scheme, and the Annapurna Scheme, which provide financial assistance to vulnerable groups, including the elderly, widows, and disabled individuals.
6. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN): This income support scheme provides direct cash transfers to small and marginal farmers to supplement their income and support their agricultural activities.
7. Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM): This cleanliness and sanitation campaign aims to achieve universal sanitation coverage, promote hygiene practices, and eliminate open defecation.

Reasons for the continuance of poverty even after so many programs and schemes:   

1. Population Growth: India’s rapid population growth puts strain on available resources, hindering poverty eradication efforts. With a population of over 1.3 billion, reaching and uplifting every individual out of poverty is a significant challenge. Example: According to the Oxfam India report, in 2018, the richest 1% of the population in India owned 73% of the country’s wealth, while the bottom 50% owned just 1%.
2. Unemployment and Underemployment: Insufficient employment opportunities and a predominance of low-paying jobs hinder poverty reduction effortsExample: The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2019-20 revealed that the unemployment rate in India stood at 7.8%, with youth unemployment being a significant concern.
3. Weak Implementation and Corruption: Challenges in implementation, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and corruption hinder the effective delivery of poverty alleviation programs. Example: Leakages and mismanagement in programs like the Public Distribution System (PDS) result in resources not reaching the intended beneficiaries.
4. Social and Gender Inequalities: Marginalized communities and women face discrimination, and limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, perpetuating poverty. Example: The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) data highlights significant disparities in access to healthcare and education among different social and gender groups.
5. Problems with the poverty eradication program by the government:  Each poverty alleviation scheme such as MGNREGA, Public Distribution Systems (PDS), Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), and other Centrally Sponsored Schemes suffer from an array of difficulties such as:  
   1. Fiscal crisis faced by State Governments resulting in lower spending on social sectors.  
   2. Failure of Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) to reach the poorest in northern and eastern states.  
6. Effects of COVID-19, informal economy, and unemployment: 
   1. The effects of the COVID-19 crisis on low-skilled migrant laborers and informal workers have been overwhelming.   
   2. During the lockdown period in the current pandemic, many laborers lost their jobs and due to a lack of social security nets and formal benefits, traveled back to their homes without any guarantee of returning. 

Poverty eradication in a country with a huge population like India needs to involve programs and policies with a bottom-up approach, technological interventions, and a mix of innovative ideas like Universal Basic Income. To reduce the hardship of people affected by poverty and to give relief to the informal economy, the Indian government has launched Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan (GKRA). Furthermore, India needs to ramp up MGNREGA, introduce a guaranteed urban employment scheme, and boost further cash transfers to poor households.

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