Answer: 

Introduction:

Poverty may be defined as a sustained or chronic deprivation of the resources, capabilities and choices necessary for the enjoyment of an adequate standard of living. Poverty is not just about low income.

It has been realized that demographic trends are indeed important in determining the level of poverty experienced.

Body:

Whether growing population is the cause of poverty or poverty is the main cause of population increase in India is debatable. It can be analyzed as follows:

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a) High population growth rate leads to poverty- This view was popular in the 1970s.

• Pressure on State’s resources: High population growth leads to more pressure on the economic resources of the State. This leads to less power with the State to alleviate people from poverty.
• Pressure on family resources: Greater number of children makes it difficult for the parents to provide for their nutrition, health and education. Lack of these facilities deprives the children of capabilities and keeps them engaged in the cycle of poverty.

b) Poverty leads to increase in population:

• From the point of view of the poor, one more child means two more hands to work and earn for the family. This makes poverty a strong cause for a growing population.
• Lack of money and proper awareness about contraceptive methods makes it difficult for the poor to practice family planning.
• High mortality risk: Poor lifestyle and high mortality among children leads to uncertainty among parents. They thus go for more children to ensure that at least a few survive.

Conclusion:

So, the answer to such a question depends on whether it is to be seen from the government’s point of view or the individual’s point of view. Population growth or decline alone is not a determining factor of poverty. It is the ability of the state to make its population skilled enough to be productive that makes a difference. Building the capabilities would make the growth in population seem as an asset rather than a liability on the State.