(i) Poverty Eradication in India
Introduction
Poverty remains one of India’s biggest socio-economic challenges, affecting millions of people despite economic growth. The Indian government has launched various poverty eradication programs focusing on employment, food security, education, and rural development.
The goal is to reduce poverty by improving living standards, increasing income opportunities, and providing social welfare.
A. Major Causes of Poverty in India
- Unemployment and Underemployment – Limited job opportunities, especially in rural areas.
- Income Inequality – Wealth gap between rich and poor.
- Lack of Education and Skills – Many people do not have access to quality education.
- Population Growth – High population increases competition for resources.
B. Government Initiatives for Poverty Eradication
| Scheme | Objective | Implementation |
|---|---|---|
| Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA, 2005) | Guaranteed 100 days of wage employment per year to rural households. | Provides jobs in infrastructure, agriculture, and rural development. |
| Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY, 2014) | Financial inclusion of poor households. | Opened bank accounts with zero balance for the underprivileged. |
| National Food Security Act (NFSA, 2013) | Ensure food availability for the poor. | Provides subsidized grains to 67% of India’s population. |
| Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY-NULM & NRLM) | Skill development and self-employment. | Focus on urban and rural livelihoods for poor women and youth. |
C. Achievements of Poverty Eradication Programs
- Decline in Poverty Rate – From 45% in 1994 to 10% in 2023 (World Bank estimate).
- Financial Inclusion – Over 450 million people gained access to banking services.
- Food Security Improvement – Reduced hunger levels through subsidized ration distribution.
D. Challenges in Poverty Eradication
- Corruption and Mismanagement – Leakages in welfare schemes.
- Unorganized Labor Sector – Most jobs in India are informal, with no job security.
- Rural-Urban Divide – Poverty rates remain higher in villages compared to cities.
E. Conclusion
India has made significant progress in poverty reduction, but rural unemployment, inflation, and social inequality remain challenges. Sustained economic growth, better education, and skill development programs are essential for completely eradicating poverty.
(ii) Food Security and Its Significance
Introduction
Food security means ensuring that all people have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food at all times. In a country like India, where a large population depends on agriculture, food security is crucial for economic stability and human development.
Food security is measured by three main factors:
- Availability – Sufficient food production and supply.
- Access – People’s ability to buy and consume food.
- Utilization – Proper nutrition and dietary intake.
A. Importance of Food Security
- Reduces Hunger and Malnutrition
- Provides proper nutrition for children and pregnant women, preventing stunted growth.
- Ensures Economic Stability
- A well-fed population is more productive and contributes to economic growth.
- Prevents Social Unrest
- Food shortages can lead to riots and conflicts (e.g., Arab Spring protests in 2011 were triggered by high food prices).
B. Government Initiatives for Food Security in India
| Scheme | Objective | Implementation |
|---|---|---|
| National Food Security Act (NFSA, 2013) | Provides subsidized grains to poor families. | 5 kg rice/wheat per person at ₹2-3 per kg. |
| Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS, 1995) | Free meals for school children to improve nutrition. | Covers 120 million children in government schools. |
| Public Distribution System (PDS) | Distribution of food grains through ration shops. | Ensures affordable food for low-income families. |
| Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY, 2020) | Free food grains during COVID-19 lockdown. | Benefited 80 crore people during the pandemic. |
C. Challenges to Food Security
- Food Wastage and Storage Issues – Poor storage facilities lead to grain wastage.
- Climate Change – Droughts and floods affect crop yields.
- Rising Food Prices – Inflation makes essential food items unaffordable.
- Corruption in PDS – Leakages and black market sales reduce efficiency.
D. Conclusion
Food security is critical for national health, economic growth, and social stability. While India has strong food security policies, challenges like climate change, food wastage, and corruption must be addressed to ensure hunger-free development.
Final Thoughts
Both poverty eradication and food security are essential for human security and economic progress. By strengthening employment programs, food distribution systems, and sustainable agricultural practices, India can achieve long-term growth and development.
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