Social Group Vulnerable to Poverty

Scheduled caste and scheduled tribe households are the social group vulnerable to poverty. Here's why:

Historical Background
- Scheduled castes and scheduled tribes are historically disadvantaged groups in India.
- They have been subjected to discrimination, social exclusion, and economic exploitation for centuries.

Current Scenario
- Even though India has made significant progress in reducing poverty over the years, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes continue to be the poorest and most vulnerable groups in the country.
- According to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), the poverty rate among scheduled castes and scheduled tribes is higher than the national average.
- They are also more likely to live in rural areas, where poverty rates are generally higher than in urban areas.

Reasons for Vulnerability
- Lack of access to education and healthcare: Scheduled castes and scheduled tribes have lower literacy rates and are more likely to suffer from malnutrition and diseases.
- Limited opportunities for employment: They are often excluded from formal sector jobs and are forced to engage in low-paying, informal sector work.
- Landlessness: Many scheduled castes and scheduled tribes are landless or have small landholdings, which makes them vulnerable to fluctuations in crop yields and prices.

Government Initiatives
- The Indian government has implemented various programs and schemes to address the issue of poverty among scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.
- Some of these include the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP), Tribal Sub Plan (TSP), National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), and National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM).

Conclusion
- Despite the government's efforts, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes continue to face significant challenges in overcoming poverty.
- More needs to be done to address the root causes of their vulnerability, including discrimination, lack of access to education and healthcare, and limited employment opportunities.