Give an account of interstate disparity of poverty in India?
The proportion of poor people is not the same in every state:(i) Government has made many efforts to reduce poverty by following various programmers but the success rate of reducing poverty is different in different states. (ii) In 20 states and union territories the poverty ratio is less than the national average. (iii) Poverty is still a serious problem in Orissa, Bihar, Assam, Tripura and Uttar Pradesh. (iv) Orissa and Bihar continue to be the two poorest states with poverty ratios of 47% and 43 % respectively. (v) There has been a significant decline in poverty in Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and West Bengal. In Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, public distribution of foodgrains has been responsible for the reduction of poverty.(vi) States like Punjab and Haryana have traditionally succeeded in reducing poverty with the help of agricultural growth rates. (vii) In West Bengal, land reform measures have helped in reducing poverty.
This question is part of UPSC exam. View all Class 9 courses
Give an account of interstate disparity of poverty in India?
Interstate Disparity of Poverty in India:
India is a country with a significant disparity of poverty levels among its states. This disparity is a result of various socio-economic factors, including regional development, resource allocation, and governance. Understanding the interstate disparity of poverty in India can shed light on the challenges faced by different regions and the need for targeted policy interventions.
1. Regional Disparities:
- India is divided into 28 states and 8 Union territories, each with its own socio-economic characteristics and development indicators.
- Some states, such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu, have witnessed rapid economic growth and industrialization, resulting in relatively lower poverty rates.
- On the other hand, states like Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha have high poverty rates due to limited economic opportunities, inadequate infrastructure, and weak governance.
2. Income Disparities:
- Income disparities across states contribute significantly to the interstate disparity of poverty.
- States with higher per capita income and better employment opportunities tend to have lower poverty rates.
- For example, states like Goa and Delhi have higher average incomes, resulting in relatively lower poverty rates compared to states with lower per capita incomes.
3. Agricultural Dependence:
- Many states in India are heavily dependent on agriculture, which is often characterized by low productivity, lack of modern techniques, and vulnerability to natural disasters.
- States like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal have a high proportion of their population engaged in agriculture, making them more susceptible to poverty.
4. Educational Attainment:
- Educational attainment plays a crucial role in determining poverty levels.
- States with higher literacy rates and better access to quality education tend to have lower poverty rates.
- Kerala, for instance, has consistently shown lower poverty levels due to its focus on education and human development.
5. Infrastructure and Governance:
- Disparities in infrastructure development and governance also contribute to the interstate disparity of poverty.
- States with better infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and water supply, attract more investment and economic activities, leading to lower poverty rates.
- States with weak governance and corruption issues often struggle to address poverty effectively.
Conclusion:
Interstate disparity of poverty in India is a complex issue influenced by various factors such as regional disparities, income disparities, agricultural dependence, educational attainment, and infrastructure development. Addressing this disparity requires a comprehensive approach that includes targeted policies, investments in human development, and efforts to improve governance and infrastructure in economically disadvantaged regions. By reducing the interstate disparity of poverty, India can work towards achieving a more inclusive and equitable society.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed Class 9 study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in Class 9.