Poverty Alleviation Programmes in India | Economics Optional Notes for UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

• Poverty alleviation programs are initiatives undertaken by a government to eradicate persistent poverty within the country. These programs can be broadly classified into two categories: those specifically designed for rural residents or regions and those intended for urban residents or areas.
• Nevertheless, the predominant focus of government-initiated programs and projects is on the rural sector of society. This emphasis stems from the significantly higher prevalence of poverty in rural areas compared to urban ones. 

Meaning of Poverty and Poverty Alleviation Programs

• Poverty is characterized by the absence of the means and essential resources required to maintain a basic standard of living. An individual is deemed to be living in poverty when their income proves inadequate to cover the necessities of life. According to the World Bank, poverty represents a significant deprivation of well-being that can manifest in various forms, with low incomes and limited access to essential goods and services being key indicators of poverty.
• Poverty alleviation encompasses a set of social and economic measures aimed at eliminating poverty within a society. Extreme poverty, as defined by the World Bank, involves living on less than $1.90 per day, impacting over 760 million people globally. In 2011, nearly 268 million individuals in India fell below this threshold. The Indian government has instituted various plans, projects, and schemes as part of its poverty alleviation programs to eradicate poverty and ensure marginalized households have access to basic necessities.

Government of India's Initiatives in Poverty Alleviation Programs

Since 1978, India has implemented numerous schemes to alleviate poverty, empowering the less privileged members of society to improve their quality of life through diverse strategies. The table below enumerates the various initiatives introduced by the Government of India to combat poverty, along with their respective launch years and objectives.

Poverty Alleviation Programs in India for UPSC

The effective eradication of poverty relies on active involvement and contributions from the impoverished themselves in the developmental process. This necessitates a strategy of social mobilization that empowers and motivates disadvantaged individuals to actively participate. Moreover, such participation can open up avenues for career advancement, potentially leading to improvements in income, skill development, health, and literacy. Additionally, it is imperative to provide essential infrastructure such as schools, roads, power, telecommunications, IT services, and training facilities in impoverished communities.