Q. ‘Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing. ’ Explain by giving reasons. (10 Marks, 150 Words)

Core Demand of the Question

  • Reasons For The Continued Existence Of Poverty Despite Poverty Eradication Programs.
  • Suitable Way Forward.

Answer

Introduction

Despite notable progress in poverty reduction, evident from NITI Aayog’s MPI decline (health, education, and living standards) from 29.17% (2013–14) to 11.28% (2022–23), India continues to host one of the largest populations living in multidimensional poverty. This persistence of poverty, even amid economic growth and policy interventions, reflects deeper structural and implementation-level challenges.

Reasons for Continued Poverty

  • Low Agricultural Productivity: Most poor depend on agriculture, but small landholdings and poor irrigation limit income.
  • High Informality in Employment: Informal sector jobs lack job security and social protection.
    Eg: Over 90% of the Indian workforce remains in informal employment.
  • Rapid Population Growth: High population increases pressure on jobs, services, and welfare resources.
    Eg: At present, India adds 15 million people to its population base every year, which is by far the largest in the world.
  • Social Discrimination and Exclusion: Marginalised groups face systemic exclusion from opportunities and entitlements.
  • Regional Disparities in Development: Economic growth is concentrated in a few states, widening inter-state poverty gaps.
    Eg: According to NITI Aayog’s MPI (2019–21), Bihar has a multidimensional poverty rate of 33%, whereas Kerala stands at just 0.7%, highlighting stark disparities
  • Climate and Disaster Vulnerability: Frequent climate shocks reverse developmental gains among the poor.
    Eg: India recorded 5.4 million internal displacements from climate-related disasters in 2024, the highest in South Asia, according to the IDMC’s Global Report on Internal Displacement (GRID).

Way forward

  • Strengthen Agricultural Productivity for Smallholders: Enhancing productivity through mechanization is crucial to increase smallholder income.
    Eg: Remote transplanters increased rice yields by 10–12%, improving earnings for small farmers.
  • Promote Skill Development and Entrepreneurship: Equipping individuals with skills and promoting entrepreneurship enables sustainable livelihoods.
    Eg: The Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) provides skill training to rural youth, enhancing their employability and income potential.
  • Support Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs): Strengthen FPOs to increase small farmers’ market access and bargaining power.
    Eg: The Krishak Samriddhi Yojana empowers FPOs by enabling direct market linkages and reducing intermediaries.
  • Ensure Food Security and Nutrition: Addressing hunger and malnutrition is crucial for poverty alleviation.
    Eg: The National Food Security Act (NFSA) ensures subsidized food grains to approximately two-thirds of India’s population to reduce hunger and malnutrition.
  • Enhance Access to Healthcare and Sanitation: Improving health and sanitation facilities can break the poverty cycle.
    Eg: Ayushman Bharat provides health insurance coverage while Swachh Bharat Mission focuses on sanitation and cleanliness.

Conclusion

Moving forward, expanding capabilities, as envisioned by Amartya Sen is essential. This must be accompanied by a shift from scheme-centric to systems-oriented interventions, that prioritise equity, inclusion, and climate resilience. Only then can poverty eradication become truly transformational, and not just a statistical achievement.

PW Only IAS Extra Edge

Poverty Eradication Programmes In India

  • Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): It provides 100 days of guaranteed wage employment to rural households annually.
    Eg: In FY 2023–24, the scheme generated over 300  person-days
  • Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY): It ensures free food grains to about 80 crore people under the National Food Security Act.
    Eg: During COVID-19, PMGKAY distributed 5 kg food grains per person monthly at no cost.
  • Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): It promotes financial inclusion through zero balance  accounts and direct benefit transfers.
    Eg: As of 2025, over 50 crore accounts were opened under PMJDY, enabling cashless benefit delivery.
  • Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–NRLM: This programme supports Self Help Groups (SHGs) and women-led microenterprises in rural areas.
    Eg: By 2024, over 10 crore women were mobilised into SHGs, improving income and savings.
  • National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP): It offers old-age, widow, and disability pensions to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households.
    Eg: NSAP covered over 3.4 crore beneficiaries with pensions up to ₹500/month.
  • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): It provides affordable housing to the poor in urban and rural areas through financial assistance.
    Eg: Over 3 crore houses were sanctioned under PMAY-Gramin by 2024.

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Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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