Poverty: Introduction
"India would be truely independent only
when the poorest of its people become
free of human suffering".
-Mahathma Gandhi
Poverty is a multidimensional phenomenon characterized by a lack of access to resources, opportunities, and
basic needs, resulting in the inability to attain a standard of living that is considered acceptable in a
particular society. It is often measured in terms of income, but it extends beyond financial deprivation and
encompasses elements such as limited access to education, healthcare, clean water, sanitation, housing, and
social support systems.
Poverty can be absolute or relative. Absolute poverty refers to a state of extreme deprivation where
individuals or households lack the minimum level of income or resources necessary to meet basic needs, such
as food, shelter, and clothing. Relative poverty, on the other hand, refers to a condition where individuals or
households have significantly lower income or resources compared to the average or median income in their
society, resulting in being excluded from participating fully in social and economic activities.
Poverty is often perpetuated by various interconnected factors, including but not limited to, limited job
opportunities, inadequate education and skills, discrimination, social exclusion, political instability, armed
conflicts, environmental degradation, and lack of access to basic services. It affects individuals, families, and
entire communities, leading to a cycle of poverty that can be difficult to break.
To address poverty effectively, it requires comprehensive approaches that go beyond income redistribution.
Strategies may include promoting inclusive economic growth, investing in education and healthcare, improving
social safety nets, ensuring equal opportunities for all, empowering marginalized groups, promoting
sustainable development, and fostering good governance. By addressing the root causes of poverty and
providing individuals with the necessary tools and resources, it is possible to reduce poverty and create a
more equitable and just society.
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Effects Of Poverty
The effects of poverty are far-reaching and have significant impacts on individuals, families,
communities, and societies as a whole. Here are some key effects of poverty:
1. Limited access to basic needs: Poverty often means lacking access to essential needs such as
nutritious food, clean water, adequate housing, and healthcare. This can lead to malnutrition, increased
vulnerability to diseases, higher mortality rates, and overall poor physical and mental health.
2. Limited educational opportunities: Poverty can hinder access to quality education, leading to lower
literacy rates and limited skill development. This lack of education perpetuates the cycle of poverty as
individuals face difficulties in finding employment and improving their socio-economic status.
3. Unemployment and underemployment: Poverty is often accompanied by high rates of unemployment
and underemployment. Limited job opportunities and low wages make it difficult for individuals and
families to escape poverty and achieve financial stability.
4. Social exclusion and discrimination: Poverty can lead to social exclusion and marginalization, as
individuals and communities face discrimination based on factors such as gender, race, ethnicity, or
disability. This exclusion can further limit opportunities for social and economic advancement.
5. Increased crime and violence: Poverty-stricken areas often experience higher rates of crime and
violence due to limited economic opportunities, social unrest, and desperation. Poverty can contribute to
a cycle of violence and crime, further deepening the challenges faced by affected communities.
6. Limited access to healthcare: Poverty can result in inadequate access to healthcare services,
including preventive care, medications, and treatments. This can lead to higher rates of illness, reduced
life expectancy, and increased healthcare costs in the long run.
7. Inter-generational transmission of poverty: Poverty can be passed down from one generation to
another, as children born into impoverished households face limited opportunities for education,
healthcare, and economic advancement. This perpetuates the cycle of poverty, making it difficult to
break free from its grip.
8. Reduced productivity and economic growth: Poverty limits human capital development and productive
potential, hindering economic growth at both individual and societal levels. Limited access to education,
skills, and resources hampers innovation, entrepreneurship, and overall economic development.
and opportunities.
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9. Political instability and social unrest: Poverty can contribute to political instability and social unrest,
as individuals and communities facing extreme deprivation may become more susceptible to radical
ideologies or engage in protests and conflicts to demand better living conditions
10. Loss of human potential: Poverty deprives individuals of the opportunity to reach their full potential,
stifling their talents, creativity, and contributions to society. This loss of human potential hampers
social progress and development.
Causes Of Poverty
The causes of poverty are complex and multifaceted, often resulting from a combination of
individual, societal, and systemic factors. Here are some significant causes of poverty:
1. Lack of education: Limited access to quality education can perpetuate poverty by limiting
individuals' ability to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge for better job opportunities
and higher incomes.
2. Unemployment and underemployment: Insufficient job opportunities, particularly in
sectors that offer decent wages and working conditions, can lead to high unemployment
rates and low incomes, keeping individuals and families trapped in poverty.
3. Discrimination and social exclusion: Discrimination based on factors such as gender, race,
ethnicity, religion, or disability can lead to unequal access to resources, opportunities, and
basic services, perpetuating poverty among marginalized groups.
4. Limited access to basic services: Lack of access to essential services like healthcare,
clean water, sanitation, and housing can exacerbate poverty, as individuals and families
struggle to meet their basic needs.
5. Political instability and corruption: Societies plagued by political instability, conflicts, and
corruption often witness a diversion of resources away from poverty alleviation, hindering
economic growth and exacerbating poverty levels.
6. Inequality and unequal distribution of wealth: When wealth and resources are
concentrated in the hands of a few, while a significant portion of the population struggles
with limited resources, income inequality widens, contributing to poverty.
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7. Environmental factors: Climate change, natural disasters, and environmental degradation can
disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, leading to increased poverty due to the loss of
livelihoods, displacement, and reduced access to resources.
8. Lack of social safety nets: Inadequate social protection systems, including unemployment benefits,
healthcare, and pension schemes, leave individuals and families vulnerable to economic shocks and can
push them into poverty or deepen their existing poverty.
9. Inter-generational poverty: Poverty can be passed down from generation to generation when
children born into impoverished households face limited opportunities and resources, perpetuating a
cycle of poverty.
It is important to note that these causes often intersect and reinforce one another, making poverty a
complex and persistent issue that requires comprehensive and coordinated efforts to address
effectively.
Poverty World Wide
Poverty is a global issue that affects countries and communities across the world.
Here are some key points about poverty worldwide:
1. Global poverty rates: According to the World Bank, as of 2019, approximately 9.2%
of the world's population lived in extreme poverty, defined as living on less than $1.90
per day. This translates to around 689 million people living in extreme poverty.
2. Regional disparities: Poverty is not evenly distributed globally. Sub-Saharan Africa
and South Asia have the highest concentration of extreme poverty, with more than
80% of the global poor residing in these regions. Other regions, such as Latin America,
the Caribbean, and parts of East Asia, also have significant poverty challenges.
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3. Multidimensional poverty: Poverty cannot solely be measured by income. The concept of
multidimensional poverty takes into account other factors such as access to education,
healthcare, clean water, sanitation, and housing. This approach provides a more comprehensive
understanding of poverty and its impact.
4. Rural vs. urban poverty: Poverty is prevalent in both rural and urban areas. In rural
settings, poverty is often linked to limited access to resources, agricultural challenges, and
lack of infrastructure. Urban poverty, on the other hand, is associated with informal
employment, inadequate housing, and limited access to basic services.
5. Poverty and hunger: Poverty and hunger are closely connected. Many people living in
poverty struggle to access nutritious food, leading to malnutrition and hunger-related health
issues. The United Nations estimates that around 690 million people worldwide suffer from
chronic hunger.
6. Gender and poverty: Women and girls are disproportionately affected by poverty due to
various socio-cultural factors. They often face limited access to education, healthcare,
employment opportunities, and unequal pay. Gender inequality perpetuates the cycle of
poverty and hinders sustainable development.
7. Health and poverty: Poverty is a significant barrier to accessing healthcare services,
resulting in higher rates of preventable diseases, maternal and child mortality, and limited
access to essential medications. Lack of clean water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities further
exacerbate health challenges in impoverished communities.
8. Education and poverty: Lack of access to quality education is both a cause and
consequence of poverty. Poverty often limits children's access to schooling, perpetuating the
cycle of poverty across generations. UNESCO estimates that approximately 258 million
children and youth are out of school globally, with the majority coming from impoverished
backgrounds.
9. Environmental factors: Poverty is interlinked with environmental issues such as climate
change, deforestation, and natural disasters. Impoverished communities are often more
vulnerable to the adverse effects of environmental degradation, leading to displacement, loss
of livelihoods, and increased poverty levels.
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10. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The United Nations' SDGs aim to
eradicate poverty in all its forms by 2030. These goals prioritize poverty
reduction, access to quality education and healthcare, gender equality, and
sustainable economic growth as key components of global poverty alleviation
efforts.
Addressing poverty worldwide requires a comprehensive approach that includes
poverty reduction programs, investments in education and healthcare,
sustainable economic development, gender equality initiatives, and environmental
conservation. By tackling the root causes of poverty and ensuring inclusive and
equitable opportunities for all, it is possible to make significant progress
towards eradicating poverty globally.
Poverty In India
Poverty in India remains a pressing issue with significant socio-
economic implications. According to the latest available data from the
2011 census, approximately 21.9% of India's population, or around 270
million people, lived below the official poverty line. Regional disparities
are evident, with states like Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh
having higher poverty rates compared to states like Kerala and
Punjab. Rural areas face higher poverty levels due to limited access to
resources and infrastructure, whereas urban areas struggle with
informal employment and inadequate housing. Gender inequality
further exacerbates poverty, particularly for women and girls who
face limited access to education, healthcare, and employment
opportunities. The Indian government has implemented various poverty
alleviation programs, but challenges such as population growth,
inequality, and inadequate infrastructure persist. Efforts towards
achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, including eradicating
extreme poverty by 2030, are crucial to addressing poverty in India
and improving the lives of millions of people
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Poverty Reduction Programs In India
India has implemented several poverty reduction programs to address the issue of poverty and improve the
living conditions of its citizens. Here are some key poverty reduction programs in India:
1. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): This landmark program
guarantees 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult
members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. It aims to enhance livelihood security in rural areas, create
durable assets, and strengthen the rural economy.
2. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): Launched in 2014, this financial inclusion program aims to
provide access to banking services, including savings accounts, insurance, and pension schemes, to the
unbanked population. It promotes financial literacy and enables direct benefit transfers, reducing leakages
and ensuring efficient delivery of welfare benefits.
3. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY): This scheme, launched in 2016, aims to provide free LPG
(liquefied petroleum gas) connections to women from below-poverty-line households. It promotes clean
cooking fuel, reduces indoor air pollution, and improves the health and well-being of women and children.
4. National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM): This program focuses on poverty reduction through the
promotion of self-employment and skill development. It provides financial support, capacity building, and
market linkages to rural households, particularly women, to enhance their income-generating capabilities.
5. National Food Security Act (NFSA): Implemented in 2013, this act aims to provide subsidized food grains
to eligible households through the Public Distribution System (PDS). It ensures food security for vulnerable
sections of society by providing access to affordable and nutritious food.
6. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission): Launched in 2014, this campaign aims to achieve universal
sanitation coverage and eliminate open defecation in India. It promotes the construction of toilets, proper
waste management, and improved hygiene practices, thereby improving health outcomes and enhancing the
quality of life.
7. Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY-NRLM): This program focuses on poverty alleviation through the
promotion of sustainable livelihoods, social mobilization, and skill development. It targets the rural poor and
vulnerable sections of society, providing them with financial support, capacity building, and market linkages.
These are just a few examples of the various poverty reduction programs in India. The government
continues to innovate and implement initiatives to address poverty, promote inclusive growth, and improve
the overall well-being of its citizens.
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POVERTY:
A GLOBAL ISSUE
Name: Muhammed Raihan.N
Class:IX A
Roll No:12
Session:2023-2024
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INDEX
SI.no: TOPIC PAGE NO
1. Introduction 3
2. Effects of Poverty 4
3. Causes of Poverty 5
4. Poverty world wide 6
5. Poverty in India 8
6. Poverty Reduction Programmes in India 9
