Introduction

  1. Poverty refers to the inability to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing.
  2. In India, poverty is a significant socio-economic challenge, affecting millions of people.
  3. The concept of poverty is often categorized into two types: Absolute Poverty and Relative Poverty.

Absolute Poverty

  1. Absolute Poverty is defined as a condition where individuals lack the minimum resources necessary for survival.
  2. This type of poverty is measured using a poverty line, which represents the minimum income or consumption required to meet basic needs.
  3. In India, the Tendulkar Committee and Rangarajan Committee have provided poverty line estimates.
  4. It is more common in developing countries like India.
  5. Indicators: Malnutrition, lack of access to clean water, inadequate housing, and absence of healthcare facilities.
  6. Programs such as Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana and Antyodaya Anna Yojana aim to address absolute poverty.
  7. Absolute poverty is generally measured in terms of caloric intake or per capita income.

Relative Poverty

  1. Relative Poverty refers to inequality in income distribution within a society.
  2. This concept focuses on individuals being poor compared to the average standard of living in their community.
  3. It is more relevant in developed countries where basic needs are largely met.
  4. Indicators: Income inequality, access to education, healthcare, and participation in social activities.
  5. Relative poverty highlights disparities even in wealthy nations.
  6. In India, it is evident in rural-urban divides and inequalities between different socio-economic groups.
  7. Programs like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) address income disparities.

Key Differences Between Absolute and Relative Poverty

  1. Absolute Poverty: Focuses on survival needs and is measured uniformly across regions.
  2. Relative Poverty: Focuses on social inequalities and is context-specific.
  3. Absolute Poverty: Directly linked to subsistence and survival.
  4. Relative Poverty: Reflects social exclusion and economic disparities.

Poverty in India

  1. India has made significant progress in reducing absolute poverty since independence.
  2. Despite this, relative poverty persists due to economic inequalities.
  3. Urban poverty is characterized by slums and lack of housing, while rural poverty involves landlessness and low agricultural productivity.
  4. Poverty is more pronounced among Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and minorities.

Government Initiatives

  1. The Integrated Rural Development Program (IRDP) and National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) aim to alleviate rural poverty.
  2. Programs like Urban Livelihood Mission and affordable housing schemes target urban poverty.
  3. Food security initiatives like the Public Distribution System (PDS) help address absolute poverty.
  4. Skill development programs like Skill India aim to reduce relative poverty by improving employability.

Conclusion

  1. Eradicating poverty requires a multi-dimensional approach addressing both absolute and relative aspects.
  2. Economic growth, social inclusion, and targeted government policies are critical to reducing poverty.
  3. Sustained efforts are needed to ensure equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.

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