Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Poverty, defined as the state of lacking basic necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare, remains a significant challenge in India. According to the National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) 2023, around 12.7% of India’s population still experiences multidimensional poverty. Historically, India has implemented numerous programs aimed at poverty reduction, but their effectiveness has been debated. The focus has shifted from mere income-based poverty lines to a multidimensional approach considering health, education, and living standards. This response will detail the various initiatives undertaken by the Government of India to address this persistent issue.
Government Efforts to Streamline Poverty Reduction
The Government of India employs a multi-pronged approach to poverty alleviation, encompassing direct poverty reduction programs, employment generation schemes, and social safety nets. These initiatives are designed to address the various dimensions of poverty and empower vulnerable populations.
1. Direct Poverty Alleviation Programs
- Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY): Launched in 2000, AAY provides targeted public distribution of food grains to the poorest of the poor families. It is a sub-scheme of the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).
- National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) – Aajeevika: This program (launched in 2011) focuses on empowering rural women through self-help groups (SHGs), providing skills training, and facilitating access to financial services.
- Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY): Introduced in 2016, PMGKY provided food grains and cash transfers to vulnerable families during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Employment Generation Schemes
- Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): Enacted in 2005, MGNREGA guarantees 100 days of wage employment to rural households, contributing significantly to rural income and asset creation. According to the MGNREGA website (knowledge cutoff), over 2.6 billion person-days of employment were generated in 2022-23.
- National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) – Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY): NULM aims to provide livelihood opportunities to urban poor by promoting skill development, entrepreneurship, and self-employment.
- Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP): Launched in 2008, PMEGP supports micro-enterprises in rural and urban areas, creating employment opportunities.
3. Social Safety Nets and Welfare Programs
- National Food Security Act (NFSA): Enacted in 2013, NFSA provides food grains at subsidized prices to a large section of the population.
- Jan Dhan Yojana: This financial inclusion scheme (launched in 2014) aims to provide access to banking services, including savings accounts, remittances, and credit facilities, to all households. Over 462 million bank accounts have been opened under Jan Dhan Yojana as of 2023 (knowledge cutoff).
- Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): Launched in 2018, PM-JAY provides health insurance coverage to vulnerable families, reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
| Scheme | Objective | Year Launched |
|---|---|---|
| MGNREGA | Guarantee 100 days of wage employment | 2005 |
| Jan Dhan Yojana | Financial inclusion & access to banking services | 2014 |
| PM-JAY | Health insurance for vulnerable families | 2018 |
Case Study: MGNREGA and its Impact
MGNREGA has been instrumental in providing rural employment and boosting rural incomes. In Andhra Pradesh, for example, MGNREGA has significantly contributed to the construction of rural infrastructure, such as roads and water harvesting structures. This has not only created employment opportunities but has also improved rural connectivity and water availability, leading to increased agricultural productivity and improved living standards. However, challenges remain, including issues of corruption and ensuring the quality of assets created.
Conclusion
The Government of India has implemented a range of initiatives to streamline poverty reduction, with notable progress in expanding access to food, financial services, and healthcare. While these efforts have yielded positive outcomes, challenges such as leakages in program implementation, regional disparities, and the need for improved skill development remain. A more holistic and targeted approach, focusing on skill enhancement, rural infrastructure development, and promoting entrepreneurship, is crucial for achieving sustainable poverty reduction and ensuring inclusive growth in India.
Answer Length
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