Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing.' Explain by giving reasons.

Economic Reasons

Several economic factors contribute to the continued existence of poverty in India:

• Unequal Distribution of Wealth: India exhibits high levels of income inequality, with a significant concentration of wealth among a small percentage of the population. This limits the trickle-down effect of economic growth.
• Lack of Employment Opportunities: Despite economic growth, the creation of quality employment opportunities hasn’t kept pace with the growing workforce. A large segment of the population remains engaged in the informal sector, characterized by low wages and job insecurity.
• Agricultural Distress: Agriculture, the mainstay of a large portion of the Indian population, faces challenges like climate change, fragmented landholdings, lack of irrigation facilities, and inadequate access to credit, leading to rural poverty.
• Inflation and Price Rise: Rising prices of essential commodities disproportionately affect the poor, eroding their purchasing power and pushing them further into poverty.

Social Reasons

Deep-rooted social inequalities exacerbate poverty:

• Caste Discrimination: Historical and ongoing caste-based discrimination limits access to education, employment, and other opportunities for marginalized communities.
• Gender Inequality: Women face systemic disadvantages in education, employment, and property rights, contributing to higher poverty rates among female-headed households.
• Lack of Education and Skill Development: Limited access to quality education and skill development opportunities restricts upward mobility and perpetuates the cycle of poverty.
• Social Exclusion: Certain social groups, including tribal communities and minorities, face social exclusion and marginalization, hindering their economic progress.

Governance and Implementation Challenges

Weaknesses in governance and implementation hinder the effectiveness of poverty alleviation programs:

• Leakage and Corruption: A significant portion of funds allocated for poverty alleviation programs is lost due to corruption and leakages, reducing their impact.
• Poor Targeting: Many programs suffer from inaccurate targeting, leading to exclusion of genuinely deserving beneficiaries and inclusion of ineligible ones.
• Lack of Coordination: Poor coordination between different government departments and agencies hampers the effective implementation of programs.
• Inadequate Monitoring and Evaluation: Insufficient monitoring and evaluation mechanisms make it difficult to assess the impact of programs and identify areas for improvement.

Demographic Factors

India’s demographic profile also plays a role:

• High Population Density: High population density puts pressure on resources and infrastructure, making it difficult to provide adequate services to all.
• Rapid Population Growth: Rapid population growth exacerbates the challenges of poverty alleviation, as it increases the demand for resources and employment opportunities.
• Migration: Rural-urban migration, often driven by poverty and lack of opportunities in rural areas, leads to the growth of slums and informal settlements in cities, creating new forms of poverty.

Programme	Year of Launch	Key Features	Limitations
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)	2005	Guarantees 100 days of wage employment to rural households.	Wage rates often below market rates, implementation challenges, and potential for corruption.
National Food Security Act (NFSA)	2013	Provides subsidized food grains to eligible households.	Issues with targeting, grain quality, and distribution efficiency.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)	2014	Financial inclusion scheme providing access to banking services.	Low levels of financial literacy and limited access to credit.