Important Questions (1 mark): Poverty As A Challenge - Class 9 MCQ

Human Resource Development in Kerala:
- Kerala has been consistently recognized as a state that prioritizes human resource development.
- The state has made significant investments in education, healthcare, and skill development programs to nurture its human capital.
- Education is given high importance, with a high literacy rate and a strong network of schools and colleges.
- The government has implemented programs to improve the quality of education and provide equal opportunities for all students.
- Kerala has also focused on skill development and vocational training, enabling its workforce to be more employable in various sectors.
- The state has a robust healthcare system, with a focus on providing accessible and quality healthcare services to its citizens.
- Kerala has implemented various social welfare schemes, ensuring the well-being and development of its population.
- The government has also encouraged entrepreneurship and innovation, promoting a culture of self-employment and job creation.
- Kerala's emphasis on human resource development has resulted in a skilled and educated workforce, contributing to the state's overall development.
Human Resource Development in Other States:
- Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra have also made efforts in human resource development but to a lesser extent compared to Kerala.
- These states have implemented various initiatives such as skill development programs and education reforms, but they do not have the same level of focus and investment as Kerala.
- While these states have made progress in certain areas of human resource development, they may lag behind Kerala in terms of overall development and outcomes.
Conclusion:
- Kerala stands out as a state that has prioritized human resource development through its investments in education, healthcare, and skill development.
- The state's focus on nurturing its human capital has resulted in a skilled and educated workforce, contributing to its overall development and prosperity.

Topic in NCERT: Human Resource Development in Kerala

Line in NCERT: "Kerala has focused more on human resource development."

In which state is the public distribution system responsible for the reduction in poverty?
The answer is C. Both (a) and (b), which means that the public distribution system is responsible for the reduction in poverty in both Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Let's discuss this in detail:
1. Public Distribution System (PDS):
The Public Distribution System is a government-led initiative aimed at providing essential commodities to the economically disadvantaged population at affordable prices. It plays a significant role in poverty alleviation by ensuring food security and reducing hunger.
2. Andhra Pradesh:
- Andhra Pradesh has implemented various reforms in its PDS system to enhance its effectiveness.
- The state government has introduced biometric authentication through the use of electronic point of sale (ePoS) devices to ensure the proper targeting of beneficiaries and prevent leakages.
- These measures have resulted in improved efficiency and transparency in the distribution of essential commodities, leading to a reduction in poverty.
3. Tamil Nadu:
- Tamil Nadu has been recognized for its successful implementation of the PDS system.
- The state government provides a variety of essential commodities, including rice, wheat, sugar, and kerosene, at subsidized rates to its citizens.
- Tamil Nadu has also implemented various measures to eliminate corruption and ensure the efficient delivery of commodities to the intended beneficiaries.
- These efforts have contributed to the reduction in poverty in the state.
4. Both (a) and (b):
- Both Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have implemented effective PDS systems that have led to a reduction in poverty.
- The initiatives taken by these states, such as technological interventions, transparency, and efficient targeting, have improved the distribution of essential commodities to the economically disadvantaged segments of society.
In conclusion, both Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have successfully implemented public distribution systems that have played a crucial role in reducing poverty. These states have adopted various measures to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and targeting of beneficiaries, resulting in improved food security and reduced hunger among the economically disadvantaged population.

Topic in NCERT: Inter-State Disparities

Line in NCERT: "In Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu public distribution of food grains could have been responsible for the improvement."

• The Assertion: The assertion that different countries use different poverty lines due to varying costs of living and societal norms is correct. Poverty lines are not universal and must reflect the unique economic and social conditions of each country.
• The Reason: The reason that factors such as development level, cultural norms, and cost of essential goods influence poverty line determinations is also correct. These factors play a crucial role in setting poverty thresholds that align with the specific needs of each society.
• Therefore: Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion, as the variations in cost of living, development levels, and societal norms directly impact the establishment of distinct poverty lines across different countries.

Topic in NCERT: Poverty as a challenge

Line in NCERT: "Therefore, poverty line may vary with time and place. Each country uses an imaginary line that is considered appropriate for its existing level of development and its accepted minimum social norms."

Social exclusion is the process in which individuals or people are systematically blocked from (or denied full access to) various rights, opportunities and resources that are normally available to members of a different group, and which are fundamental to social integration and observance of human rights.

Topic in NCERT: Social exclusion

Line in NCERT: "Broadly, it is a process through which individuals or groups are excluded from facilities, benefits and opportunities that others (their 'betters') enjoy."

High Poverty Rates: Causes
There are multiple factors that contribute to high poverty rates. The following is a detailed explanation of each cause:
Huge income inequalities:
- Income inequalities refer to the unequal distribution of wealth and resources among individuals or groups.
- When there is a significant gap between the rich and the poor, it leads to high poverty rates.
- The wealthy have access to better opportunities and resources, while the poor struggle to meet their basic needs.
- This disparity in income distribution contributes to a cycle of poverty.
Unequal distribution of land:
- Unequal distribution of land refers to the concentration of land ownership in the hands of a few individuals or groups.
- When a small portion of the population owns a significant portion of land, it limits access to land for the majority.
- Land is an essential resource for agriculture, housing, and livelihoods, and its unequal distribution can lead to poverty.
Lack of effective implementation of land reforms:
- Land reforms aim to address the issues of unequal land distribution and provide equitable access to land.
- However, the lack of effective implementation of land reform policies hinders their impact.
- Without proper implementation, the benefits of land reforms do not reach the marginalized and impoverished communities.
- This lack of implementation perpetuates the cycle of poverty and prevents sustainable development.
All the above:
- All the mentioned factors - huge income inequalities, unequal distribution of land, and lack of effective implementation of land reforms - contribute to high poverty rates.
- These factors are interconnected and reinforce each other, exacerbating the poverty situation.
- To effectively combat poverty, it is crucial to address all these causes collectively.
In conclusion, high poverty rates are primarily caused by huge income inequalities, unequal distribution of land, and the lack of effective implementation of land reforms. Addressing these factors requires comprehensive strategies and policies that aim to reduce income disparities, ensure equitable land distribution, and improve the implementation of land reform measures.

Topic in NCERT: Poverty and Income Inequality

Line in NCERT: "Another feature of high poverty rates has been the huge income inequalities. One of the major reasons for this is the unequal distribution of land and other resources. Despite many policies, we have not been able to tackle the issue in a meaningful manner. Major policy initiatives like land reforms which aimed at redistribution of assets in rural areas have not been implemented properly and effectively by most of the state governments."

B is the correct option.The nutritional requirement recommends a national norm of “2,400” kilo calories a day for rural areas and 2,100 calories a day for urban areas, the difference being attributed to the lower rate of physical activity in urban areas.

Topic in NCERT: Calorie Requirement in India

Line in NCERT: "The accepted average calorie requirement in India is 2400 calories per person per day in rural areas and 2100 calories per person per day in urban areas."

• Vulnerability to poverty is a measure which describes the greater probability of certain communities or individuals of becoming or remaining poor in the coming years.
• Vulnerability is determined by the options available to different communities for finding an alternative living in terms of assets, education, health and job opportunities.
• Vulnerability describes the greater probability of being more adversely affected than other people when bad times prevails for everybody, whether a flood or an earthquake or simply a shortage in the availability of jobs.

Topic in NCERT: Vulnerability

Line in NCERT: "Vulnerability is determined by the options available to different communities for finding an alternative living in terms of assets, education, health and job opportunities."

State with High Agricultural Growth and Reduced Poverty: Punjab
Explanation:
- Punjab is a state in northern India known for its high agricultural growth.
- The state has made significant progress in reducing poverty due to its focus on agricultural development.
- Here are the reasons why Punjab's agricultural growth has helped in reducing poverty:
- Green Revolution: Punjab became the epicenter of the Green Revolution in India during the 1960s and 1970s. This led to the adoption of modern farming techniques, including the use of high-yielding crop varieties, irrigation facilities, and chemical fertilizers, resulting in increased agricultural productivity.
- Increased Employment Opportunities: The agricultural sector in Punjab has created numerous employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly. Farmers, agricultural laborers, and workers in related industries have benefited from these opportunities, leading to a decrease in poverty levels.
- Improved Rural Infrastructure: The agricultural growth in Punjab has also led to the development of rural infrastructure, such as irrigation canals, roads, and storage facilities. This has improved connectivity and accessibility, benefiting farmers and facilitating the growth of the agricultural sector.
- Diversification of Crops: Punjab has diversified its crop production by promoting the cultivation of high-value crops like fruits, vegetables, and floriculture. This has provided additional income sources for farmers, reducing their reliance on traditional crops.
- Government Initiatives: The state government has implemented various initiatives to support agricultural growth and reduce poverty. These include providing subsidies for agricultural inputs, improving access to credit, and implementing social welfare programs targeted at farmers and rural communities.
- Overall, Punjab's high agricultural growth has played a crucial role in reducing poverty levels in the state, improving the standard of living for its rural population.

Topic in NCERT: Inter-State Disparities

Line in NCERT: "States like Punjab and Haryana have traditionally succeeded in reducing poverty with the help of high agricultural growth rates."

Land Reform Measures in West Bengal

Background:

- Land reform measures refer to policies and actions taken by governments to redistribute land ownership and provide land to landless farmers.
- These measures aim to alleviate poverty, reduce inequality, and promote agricultural development.

West Bengal:

- West Bengal is a state located in eastern India.
- It has been recognized for its successful implementation of land reform measures.

Impact on Poverty Reduction:

- The land reform measures implemented in West Bengal have played a crucial role in reducing poverty in the state.
- By redistributing land to landless farmers and implementing tenancy reforms, these measures have provided opportunities for marginalized communities to engage in agriculture and generate income.
- The land reforms have helped to break the cycle of poverty by empowering small and marginal farmers, enhancing their access to resources and credit, and improving their overall well-being.
- The increased agricultural productivity resulting from these reforms has also contributed to poverty reduction by creating employment opportunities and increasing rural incomes.

Other Benefits:

- In addition to poverty reduction, the land reform measures in West Bengal have also brought about other positive changes, such as:
- Reduction in income inequality
- Increased social and economic empowerment of women
- Improved access to education and healthcare
- Enhanced food security

Conclusion:

- The land reform measures implemented in West Bengal have been successful in reducing poverty, promoting agricultural development, and improving the overall well-being of the rural population.
- These measures serve as an example of how effective land reforms can contribute to poverty reduction and inclusive development in a state or country.

Topic in NCERT: Land Reforms and Poverty Reduction in West Bengal

Line in NCERT: "In West Bengal, land reform measures have helped in reducing poverty."

Main causes of poverty in India:
1. High income inequalities:
- Income disparities between different social and economic groups contribute to poverty.
- Unequal distribution of wealth and resources leads to a significant portion of the population living in poverty.
- Limited access to education, healthcare, and basic amenities further exacerbate the problem.
2. Less job opportunities:
- Insufficient employment opportunities and underemployment are major contributors to poverty in India.
- The lack of suitable job opportunities forces many individuals to work in low-paying and informal sectors.
- Rapid urbanization and automation also lead to job displacement and reduced employment prospects.
3. High growth in population:
- India has a rapidly growing population, which puts pressure on resources and infrastructure.
- Limited availability of food, housing, and other essential resources due to population growth can lead to poverty.
- The increasing population also strains the government's ability to provide adequate social welfare programs and services.
4. Other factors:
- Inadequate access to quality education and healthcare.
- Gender and social inequalities, including discrimination against women and marginalized communities.
- Insufficient investment in agriculture and rural development.
- Lack of effective implementation of poverty alleviation programs and policies.
Conclusion:
Poverty in India is a complex issue with multiple causes. High income inequalities, less job opportunities, and high population growth are some of the key factors contributing to poverty. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that includes equitable distribution of resources, promoting inclusive growth, investing in education and healthcare, and implementing effective poverty alleviation measures.

Topic in NCERT: Poverty and Economic Growth

Line in NCERT: "The failure at both the fronts: promotion of economic growth and population control perpetuated the cycle of poverty."

• Option A: Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 - 200 days of wage employment. This is incorrect because the Act aims to provide 100 days of wage employment to every household, not 200.
• Option B: Prime Minister Rozgar Yozana (PMRY) - Launched in 1995. This is incorrect because the PMRY was actually launched in 1993.
• Option C: Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY) - Launched in 1999. This is correct. The SGSY was indeed launched in 1999 to bring assisted poor families above the poverty line by organizing them into self-help groups.
• Option D: Rural Employment Generation Programme (REGP) - Launched in 1993. This is incorrect because the REGP was launched in 1995, not 1993. Therefore, the correctly matched pair is Option C.

Topic in NCERT: Poverty Alleviation and Rural Employment

Line in NCERT: "Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY) was launched in 1999."

The poverty line in India for the year 2011-12 was set at Rs 816 per month for rural areas and Rs 1000 for urban areas, based on the necessary minimum levels for fulfilling basic needs like food, clothing, and more.

Topic in NCERT: Poverty Estimates

Line in NCERT: "On the basis of these calculations, for the year 2011-12, the poverty line for a person was fixed at Rs 816 per month for rural areas and Rs 1000 for urban areas."

• In this case, both the Assertion and the Reason are true.
• The economic growth in India has indeed been strongly linked to the reduction in poverty levels.
• Higher economic growth rates provide the necessary resources to invest in human development, like education, which in turn helps in reducing poverty by creating more opportunities for individuals to improve their economic conditions.
• Hence, the Reason provided is the correct explanation for the Assertion, as economic growth does widen opportunities and provide resources needed to invest in human development, ultimately aiding in poverty reduction.

Topic in NCERT: Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction

Line in NCERT: "The higher growth rates have helped significantly in the reduction of poverty. Therefore, it is becoming clear that there is a strong link between economic growth and poverty reduction."

Women, elderly people and female infants are the poorest of the poor is society. Women, elderly people and the girl child are systematically denied equal access to the resources available in the family. That is why they and considered the poorest of the poor.

Topic in NCERT: Inequality of Incomes Within a Family

Line in NCERT: "In poor families all suffer, but some suffer more than others. In some cases women, elderly people and female infants are denied equal access to resources available to the family."

• Statement (i) is correct, as it accurately reflects that roughly 270 million people in India are poor, which is about every fifth person.
• Statement (ii) is incorrect because poverty is not limited to urban populations; it affects both urban and rural areas.
• Statement (iii) is incorrect since poverty typically involves low literacy rates and limited access to education.
• Statement (iv) is correct, as poverty often results in children being unable to attend school.

Topic in NCERT: Poverty as a Challenge

Line in NCERT: "In fact, every fifth person in India is poor. (This means, roughly 270 million (or 27 crore) people in India live in poverty 2011-12.)"

The correct option is D.
The social groups most vulnerable to poverty have been identified to be the scheduled caste households and the scheduled tribe households along with casual labourers groups having above average levels of poverty indicators in the rural and the urban population.

Topic in NCERT: Vulnerable Groups

Line in NCERT: "The proportion of people below poverty line is also not same for all social groups and economic categories in India. Social groups, which are most vulnerable to poverty are Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe households. Similarly, among the economic groups, the most vulnerable groups are the rural agricultural labour households and the urban casual labour households."

Topic in NCERT: Poverty Estimates

Line in NCERT: "The poverty line is estimated periodically (normally every five years) by conducting sample surveys. These surveys are carried out by the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO)."

Nutritional level of food energy is expressed in the form of calories per day. Here is a detailed explanation of why this is the correct answer:
Calories per day:
- Calories are a unit of measurement used to quantify the amount of energy provided by food.
- Nutritional level refers to the amount of energy a person requires from their diet to meet their daily needs.
- Expressing nutritional level in calories per day allows individuals to understand how much energy they are consuming and whether it aligns with their dietary requirements.
Wheat consumption:
- Wheat consumption is not a suitable measure of nutritional level as it only focuses on one specific type of food.
- Nutritional level should consider a variety of food sources to ensure a balanced diet.
Rice consumption per day:
- Similar to wheat consumption, rice consumption alone does not provide a comprehensive view of nutritional level.
- A healthy diet should include a variety of food groups to provide a range of nutrients.
None of the above:
- This option is incorrect as calories per day is the standard measure used to express the nutritional level of food energy.
In conclusion, the correct answer is A: calories per day, as it provides a comprehensive and standardized way of expressing the nutritional level of food energy.

Topic in NCERT: Calorie Requirements in India

Line in NCERT: "The accepted average calorie requirement in India is 2400 calories per person per day in rural areas and 2100 calories per person per day in urban areas."

In India, about one-fifth of the population is poor.

Topic in NCERT: Poverty as a Challenge

Line in NCERT: "In fact, every fifth person in India is poor."

A cultivator with a land holding of 1 hectare or less than 2.5 acres is known as medium farmer. According to the government law, these farmers are not poor.