Poverty as a Challenge

• Introduction to Poverty

  • Definition: Lack of basic necessities like food, clothing, and shelter
  • Two typical cases in India: Urban case (daily wage worker in Ranchi) and Rural case (landless agricultural labourer in Bihar)
  • Indicators: Hunger, lack of shelter, lack of clean water, lack of healthcare, illiteracy
  • Vulnerable Groups: Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), casual labourers, rural agricultural workers

• Poverty Estimates in India

  • Based on data collected by NSSO (National Sample Survey Organisation)
  • Concept of Poverty Line
    • Minimum level of income/consumption needed to satisfy basic needs
    • Determined by calorie requirements (Rural: 2400 calories/person/day, Urban: 2100 calories/person/day)
    • Monetary expenditure limit updated periodically for price changes
  • Trends in Poverty
    • Decline from about 45% in 1993-94 to 22% in 2011-12
    • Decline in rural and urban areas

• Causes of Poverty

  • Historical Reason: Low economic development under British colonial administration
  • High population growth rates
  • Unequal distribution of land and resources
  • Socio-cultural and religious factors (expenditure on social obligations)
  • Lack of job opportunities despite economic growth

• Anti-Poverty Measures

  • Strategy Approach: Promotion of economic growth + Targeted anti-poverty programmes
  • Major Poverty Alleviation Programmes (PAPPs)
    • MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005): Guarantees 100 days of wage employment
    • PMGY (Pradhan Mantri Gramodaya Yojana): Central assistance for basic services (health, education, rural shelter)
    • PMRY (Prime Minister's Rozgar Yojana): Creating self-employment for educated unemployed youth
    • REGS (Rural Employment Generation Programme): Creating self-employment in rural areas
    • AAY (Antyodaya Anna Yojana): Focused on the "poorest of the poor"

• The Future Challenge Ahead

  • Poverty reduction remains India's most compelling challenge
  • Shifting focus from mere "minimum subsistence" to human poverty
  • Inclusion of dimensions like education, health, gender equality, and dignity
  • Eradication expected to be achieved with higher economic growth, universal free education, and empowerment of women and weaker sections