Chapter - 3: Poverty as a Challenge

I. Answer the following questions in a few sentences.

1. How is the poverty line estimated in India?Ans: India estimates the poverty line by considering factors like income levels, calorie intake, and expenditure on essentials. The methodology involves setting a minimum income or consumption level for basic needs and identifying individuals or households falling below this as living in poverty.2. Do you think that the present methodology of poverty estimation is appropriate?Ans: The current poverty estimation methodology in India has faced criticism for not accurately reflecting the true extent of poverty due to outdated consumption patterns and insufficient coverage of essential needs. However, efforts are ongoing to refine the methodology for a more comprehensive understanding.3. Describe poverty trends in India since 1973.Ans: India's poverty trends since 1973 have shown fluctuations influenced by economic growth rates, government policies, and social development initiatives. While there have been improvements in poverty reduction, challenges like regional disparities and persistent inequality continue to impact progress.4. Discuss the major reasons for poverty in India.Ans: Major reasons for poverty in India include structural factors like unequal distribution of wealth and resources, limited access to education and healthcare, unemployment, underemployment, and social discrimination based on caste, gender, and ethnicity.5. Identify the social and economic groups which are most vulnerable to poverty in India.Ans: The most vulnerable groups to poverty in India include marginalized communities like scheduled castes and tribes, rural agricultural workers, landless laborers, informal sector workers, women, and children.6. Give an account of interstate disparities of poverty in India.Ans: Interstate disparities in poverty are significant in India. Certain states and regions experience higher poverty levels than others due to variations in economic development, infrastructure, social policies, and natural resource distribution.7. Describe global poverty trends.Ans: Globally, poverty trends have shown progress in recent decades, with a significant reduction in extreme poverty. However, challenges remain in addressing poverty in specific regions, combating inequality, and achieving sustainable development goals.8. Describe the current government strategy of poverty alleviation.Ans: The Indian government's current strategy for poverty alleviation includes various initiatives like social welfare programs, employment generation schemes, financial inclusion measures, skill development programs, and targeted subsidies to improve the lives of the poor.9. What do you understand by human poverty?Ans: Human poverty encompasses not only low income or consumption but also includes limited access to education, healthcare, sanitation, clean water, housing, and basic human rights.10. Who are the poorest of the poor?Ans: The poorest of the poor often belong to marginalized groups like scheduled castes and tribes, rural landless laborers, urban slum dwellers, and people with disabilities.11. What are the main features of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005?Ans: The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005 guarantees 100 days of wage employment to rural households, prioritizes women's participation, ensures transparency in implementation, and promotes sustainable development through asset creation and infrastructure projects.