Poverty in India
Have a look around you and tell me what you see? Do you see beggars on the streets, outside of shops, and on the roads? What about rickshaw-pullers arguing with a customer for an extra ten rupees? Are you aware of the crime rate and drug abuse even by children in our society? Now, there could be multiple reasons, but poverty in India seems to be the prominent cause behind these issues.
India is the second-most populous nation in the world, with about 1.2 billion people. Our country has experienced growth rates of up to 10% over multiple years and is one of the largest economies in the world. However, only a tiny fraction of the Indian population has availed benefits from the stunning economic boom so far. Most of the people in India still live in abject poverty. That’s why it’s essential to understand the concept of poverty as a challenge in India.
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Introduction of Poverty in India
The world has been going through increased urbanisation for numerous years now. Urbanisation has offered enhanced growth, a reliable food supply, economies of scale, stable public services and various other benefits, including huge markets that contribute to education, businesses, and innovation. However, while these developments are beneficial in the long run, it has also introduced a few adverse outcomes.
As the population grows at an unusual pace, the majority of communities are overwhelming cities that lack proper infrastructure and municipal organisations to manage the increasing challenges. It is a problematic issue in India, where there are urban slums and other areas with intensive population growth. By doing a project on poverty in India for Class 12, students can closely understand the concept and reality associated with this topic.
Challenges of Poverty
One of the toughest challenges experienced by independent India is poverty and it further brings more challenges in life.
Effects on Health: This biggest challenge of poverty is poor health. People who suffer from poverty have no access to sufficient food, proper clothing, medical facilities and a clean environment. The lack of these basic needs leads to poor health. Most of them even suffer from malnutrition, and they don’t even have enough money to visit a doctor.
Effects on Society: There are a lot of challenges of poverty faced by society.
First, the violence and crime rate increases a lot. Due to unemployment and marginalization, poor people usually indulge in unfair practices like prostitution, theft and other criminal activities.
Second, people are generally homeless, so they sleep on roadsides, making it unsafe for them, mostly women and children.
Third, poverty forces people to send their kids to work rather than putting them in schools. On average, poor families send their children at the age of 5 years only.
Effects on Economy: Poverty is directly correlated to the success of the economy for a country. The number of people living under the poverty line reflects how powerful the economy is.
These are some of the prominent examples of poverty in India that people face daily.
Consequences of Poverty in India
India also faces an elevated risk of disease and health care systems struggle to support and can’t respond efficiently. Almost 800 million people in India are marked as poor, and most of them live in the countryside while keeping afloat with odd jobs. The lack of employment, which offers a liveable wage in most rural areas, is driving a lot of Indians into swiftly developing metropolitan areas like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Calcutta. Even there, most of them lead a life of poverty and despair in massive slums made up of several corrugated ironworks, without enough drinking water supply, without garbage disposal, electricity, and various other necessities.
Furthermore, such consequences of poverty in India cause diseases like cholera, dysentery, and typhus, in which particularly kids suffer and die. So, poverty in India mostly affects kids, families and individuals in a wide range of different ways like:
High infant mortality
Malnutrition
Child labour
Lack of education
Child marriage
HIV / AIDS
Projects on Poverty in India
Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP): It was first introduced in 1978-79 and universalized from 2nd October 1980, to offer assistance to the rural poor in the form of subsidy and bank credit for effective employment opportunities through successive plan periods.
Jawahar Rozgar Yojana/Jawahar Gram Samridhi Yojana: The JRY was introduced to create meaningful employment opportunities for the unemployed and underemployed in rural parts of the country through the formation of economic infrastructure, community and social assets.
Food for Work Programme: It focuses on improving food security through wage employment. Foodgrains are supplied to states for free; thus, the supply of food grains from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) godowns has been slow.
Rural Housing – Indira Awaas Yojana: The Indira Awaas Yojana (LAY) programme is meant to offer free housing to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families in rural areas and keep up the targets would be the households of SC/STs.
In the end, we understood what poverty in India is all about and how knowing the causes and consequences can help us fight poverty and make India a better place.
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FAQs on Poverty: Causes, Effects, and Solutions
1. Is $40,000 a year considered poor?
Whether $40,000 a year is considered poor depends on several factors, including household size, location, and cost of living. In the United States, the federal poverty line for a family of four in 2023 is roughly $30,000, so $40,000 is above that threshold. However, this amount may still be insufficient in high-cost urban areas or for larger families due to higher expenses. For a single individual, $40,000 would typically be above the poverty line, but for a multi-person household, it may still create financial constraints. Ultimately, while $40,000 often exceeds the official poverty level, it does not guarantee economic security in all situations, especially where living costs are high or dependents are many.
2. What is the meaning of no poverty?
No poverty is a goal defined by international organizations to eliminate extreme and moderate poverty worldwide. It means that every person has access to basic resources such as food, clean water, shelter, and education, allowing them to live with dignity. The concept aims to end hunger, provide decent work opportunities, and ensure social protection for vulnerable populations. Achieving no poverty would signify a world where everyone can meet their fundamental needs without fear of deprivation. This is one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and is crucial for overall well-being and social equality.
3. What are the 7 characteristics of poverty?
Poverty is not just about low income; it also involves several other hardships that affect daily life. Common characteristics of poverty include:
- Lack of basic needs such as food, water, and shelter
- Poor access to education and healthcare
- Unstable or insecure employment
- Social exclusion and discrimination
- Limited assets or savings
- Vulnerability to external shocks (illness, economic crisis)
- Low participation in decision-making
4. What is poverty vs. poor?
Poverty refers to a condition or state where individuals or groups lack the financial resources to meet basic needs like food, housing, and healthcare. It is often measured using the poverty line, which sets a specific income threshold. On the other hand, being poor describes individuals who currently experience this condition but may not do so permanently. While "poverty" is a broad, structural issue connected to economic and social systems, "poor" is a term for those personally affected. Understanding the difference helps clarify poverty as a societal challenge, not just an individual issue.
5. What are the main causes of poverty?
Poverty is caused by a combination of individual and systemic factors. Common causes include:
- Unemployment or underemployment
- Lack of quality education or job training
- Poor access to healthcare
- Discrimination or social exclusion
- Economic instability or conflict
- Natural disasters and environmental challenges
6. How does poverty affect education?
Poverty has a significant impact on access to and quality of education. Children from low-income families often lack resources such as books, internet access, and stable environments needed for learning. Schools in poor areas may be underfunded, leading to larger class sizes and fewer qualified teachers. These challenges can cause students to fall behind their peers academically and limit future opportunities. Breaking the cycle of poverty often starts with improving educational access and funding, which creates better prospects for children in disadvantaged circumstances.
7. What are the types of poverty?
Poverty can take several forms, each with unique characteristics and causes. The main types include:
- Absolute poverty: Lacking basic resources for survival, like food or shelter
- Relative poverty: Having less income or resources compared to others in your society
- Urban poverty: Poverty experienced in city environments, often linked with high living costs
- Rural poverty: Poverty in countryside areas, usually associated with limited access to services and infrastructure
- Situational poverty: Caused by specific events like illness or job loss
8. How is the poverty line determined?
The poverty line is a specific income threshold used to determine who is considered poor within a society. Governments and organizations calculate it by estimating the minimum income needed to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing. In the United States, the federal poverty line adjusts for household size and is updated annually for inflation. International groups, such as the World Bank, use the extreme poverty line of $2.15 per day (adjusted for local costs). By setting a poverty line, policymakers can measure poverty rates and target aid to those most in need.
9. What are the effects of poverty on health?
Poverty negatively affects physical and mental health in many ways. People living in poverty are more likely to suffer from malnutrition, chronic diseases, and limited access to medical care. Stress and exposure to unsafe living conditions can also lead to mental health challenges. Children growing up in poverty may face lasting health issues due to inadequate nutrition and healthcare. Addressing poverty is important not just for economic reasons, but also for improving public health outcomes and breaking the cycle of poor health linked to low income.
10. How can poverty be reduced?
Reducing poverty requires a coordinated approach involving government, communities, and individuals. Effective strategies include:
- Improving access to education and job training
- Creating more employment opportunities
- Supporting affordable healthcare
- Providing social safety nets and financial assistance
- Investing in community development and infrastructure
11. Why is poverty considered a social problem?
Poverty is considered a social problem because it affects more than just individual income—it shapes opportunities, health, education, and overall well-being for communities. High rates of poverty can lead to social instability, increased crime, and reduced access to services like healthcare and education. Additionally, poverty often reflects inequalities in society and can perpetuate cycles of disadvantage across generations. Addressing poverty is necessary for promoting fairness, economic growth, and the overall strength of communities and nations.
