Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Poverty, a multidimensional phenomenon, extends beyond mere income deficiency and encompasses lack of access to essential services like healthcare, education, and social security. According to the World Bank, poverty is defined as living on less than $2.15 a day (as of 2022). India has historically grappled with widespread poverty, though significant strides have been made over the decades. The National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) 2023 indicates that 149.7 million people in India experienced multidimensional poverty in 2022. This question seeks to examine the government's efforts to combat this persistent challenge.
Government Initiatives to Streamline Poverty Levels
Pre-2014 Initiatives
Prior to 2014, several programs were in place to address poverty, albeit with varying degrees of success.
- National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) – 2005 (MGNREGA): Provided 100 days of guaranteed wage employment to rural households. While it provided a safety net, issues of implementation and corruption persisted.
- Pradhan Mantri Gramya Rozgar Yojana (PMRGY): Focused on providing employment to rural poor through asset creation and infrastructure development.
- Swarnjayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY): Integrated various self-employment programs for rural poor, aiming to create sustainable livelihoods.
- National Food Security Act (NFSA) – 2013: Provided subsidized food grains to a significant portion of the population.
Post-2014 Initiatives
The post-2014 government introduced several transformative schemes, focusing on financial inclusion, social security, and skill development.
- Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) – 2014: A financial inclusion scheme that provided access to banking services, including zero-balance accounts, RuPay debit cards, and accidental insurance. (Statistic: Over 473 million accounts have been opened under PMJDY as of October 2023.)
- Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) – 2015: Provided affordable life insurance cover to low-income households.
- Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) – 2015: Offered accidental insurance cover to low-income groups.
- Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) – 2018: Provided health insurance coverage to over 100 million vulnerable families.
- National Livelihood Mission (NRLM): Aimed at empowering rural women through self-help groups (SHGs) and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
- Mudra Yojana – 2015: Provided micro-credit to small businesses and entrepreneurs. (Example: A woman entrepreneur in a rural village accessing Mudra loan to start a tailoring business.)
- Startup India and Stand-Up India: Promoted entrepreneurship and job creation, particularly targeting marginalized sections.
| Scheme | Focus | Year |
|---|---|---|
| NREGA | Rural Employment | 2005 |
| PMJDY | Financial Inclusion | 2014 |
| PM-JAY | Healthcare Access | 2018 |
Challenges and Way Forward
Despite these efforts, poverty reduction remains a complex challenge. Factors such as inflation, unemployment, and regional disparities hinder progress. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted livelihoods and pushed many back into poverty. Future strategies should focus on:
- Skill Development: Investing in skill development programs to enhance employability.
- Infrastructure Development: Improving rural infrastructure to boost economic activity.
- Targeting: Refining targeting mechanisms to ensure benefits reach the intended beneficiaries.
- Data Accuracy: Improving data collection and analysis for better policy formulation.
- Promoting Sustainable Agriculture: Supporting small farmers through access to credit, technology, and markets.
Conclusion
The Government of India has implemented a range of programs aimed at streamlining poverty levels, with significant progress made in financial inclusion and social security. However, persistent challenges necessitate a more nuanced and targeted approach. Focusing on skill development, infrastructure development, and promoting sustainable livelihoods, along with continuous monitoring and evaluation, will be crucial to achieving the goal of a poverty-free India. The success of these initiatives requires a multi-pronged approach involving government, NGOs, and community participation.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.