Poverty as a Challenge Class 9 - NCERT SOLUTION
1. Describe how the poverty line is estimated in India. [CBSE March 2011)
Or
Explain the two methods to estimate the poverty line. [CBSE March 2012]
Ans.
Expenditure Method:
- Minimum food requirement is calculated in calories.
- Calories are converted to monetary value.
- Additional amount for clothing and other essentials is added.
- Total amount is the poverty line.
- Families spending below this line are considered Below Poverty Line (BPL).
Income Method:
- Minimum per capita income is fixed (Rs 859.6 for urban, Rs 672.8 for rural areas in 2010-11).
- Families with income below this threshold are considered BPL.
- This method is used to distribute food at subsidized prices through the Public Distribution System (PDS).
Q.2. Do you think that the present methodology of poverty estimation is appropriate ? Explain.
Ans.
Limitations of Current Poverty Estimation:
- Quantitative, not qualitative.
- Focuses on 'minimum' subsistence, not 'reasonable' living.
- Scholars suggest a broader concept: human poverty.
- Should include education, shelter, health, employment, self-confidence, and equality in poverty calculations.
Q.3. Describe poverty trends in India since 1973?
Ans:
Decrease in Poverty Ratio:
- Poverty ratio is decreasing in both urban and rural areas.
Rural Poverty Decline:
- Rural poverty decreased from 50.7% in 1993-94 to 26%.
- Number of rural poor decreased from 329 million to 217 million.
Urban Poverty Decline:
- Urban poverty decreased from 32% in 1993-94 to 14%.
- Number of urban poor increased from 75 million to 81 million.
4. Discuss the major reasons for poverty in India?
Ans:
Impact of British Rule:
- British rule lasted over 100 years.
- Traditional industries like textiles thrived before British rule.
- British policies discouraged these industries, leaving many weavers impoverished.
- Even after independence, many in handicraft industries remain poor.
Industrial Backwardness:
- India is industrially underdeveloped.
- Only 3% of the workforce is in large-scale industry.
Agricultural Dependence:
- Over 60% of the population relies on agriculture.
- Agriculture is hindered by input shortages.
Inflationary Pressure: Rising prices disproportionately affect the poor.
Unemployment: Over 9 million of the workforce is unemployed due to limited job opportunities.
5. Identify the social and economic groups which are most vulnerable to poverty in India.
Ans:
(i) Social groups: Scheduled caste and Scheduled tribe households.
(ii) Economic groups : Rural agricultural labour households and the urban casual labour households.
6. Give an account of interstate disparities of poverty in India.
Ans:
States with High Poverty Ratio:
- Odisha, Bihar, Assam, Tripura, and Uttar Pradesh have poverty ratios higher than the national average.
- Odisha and Bihar are the poorest states with ratios of 47% and 43% respectively.
- These states face both rural and urban poverty.
States with Low Poverty Ratio:
- Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and West Bengal have poverty ratios lower than the national average.
- These states have seen a significant decline in poverty ratios.
States with Very Low Poverty Ratio:
- Punjab, Haryana, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir have very low percentages of the population living below the poverty line.
7. Describe global poverty trends.
Ans:
Global Poverty Reduction:
- World Bank defines poverty as living on less than $1.90 per day.
- Global poverty has decreased from 36% in 1990 to 10% in 2015.
Regional Variations:
- Poverty reduction varies regionally.
- China and Southeast Asian countries have reduced poverty through economic growth and human resource development.
- South Asian countries have seen slower progress.
Poverty Trends in South Asia: South Asian countries reduced poverty from 34% in 2005 to 16.2% in 2013.
Poverty Trends in Sub-Saharan Africa: Poverty decreased from 51% in 2005 to 41% in 2015.
Poverty Trends in South America: Poverty ratio in South America has remained unchanged over the last two decades.
Poverty Resurgence in Russia: Poverty has reappeared in some former socialist countries like Russia.
Comparison of Poverty Rates: A table shows the poverty situation in various countries worldwide.ing table shows the poverty situation in some of the countries of the world
8. Describe the current government strategy of poverty alleviation?
Ans:
Approaches to Poverty Alleviation:
Indirect Approach: Focuses on high economic growth, promoting small-scale industries, and improving agricultural education. Aims to create employment and income opportunities through industry and agriculture development.
Direct Approach: Involves launching poverty alleviation programs and food schemes targeting the poor directly.
Poverty Alleviation Schemes:
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) 2005:
- Provides 100 days of guaranteed employment per year to rural households in 200 districts, later extended to 600 districts.
- One-third of jobs are reserved for women.
- Establishes National and State Employment Guarantee Funds.
- Provides daily unemployment allowance if employment is not provided within fifteen days.
National Food for Work Programme (NFWP):
- Launched in 2004 in 150 backward districts.
- Open to all rural poor seeking wage employment.
- 100% centrally sponsored, provides free foodgrains.
- Will be integrated into NREGA once active.
Prime Minister Rozgar Yojana (PMRY):
- Started in 1993 to create self-employment for educated rural youth.
- Assists in setting up small businesses and industries.
Rural Employment Generation Programme (REGP):
- Launched in 1995 to create self-employment in rural and small town areas.
- Aims to create 25 lakh new jobs as per the Tenth Five Year Plan.
Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY):
- Started in 1999 to bring assisted poor families above the poverty line.
- Organizes them into self-help groups with a mix of bank credit and government subsidy.
Pradhan Mantri Gramodaya Yojana (PMGY):
- Launched in 2000, provides additional central assistance to states.
- Aims to improve basic services like health, education, shelter, drinking water, and electrification in rural areas.
9. Answer the following questions briefly
(i) What do you understand by human poverty?
(ii) Who are the poorest of the poor?
(iii) What are the main features of the National Rural Employment
Guarantee Act 2005?
Ans:
Concept of Human Poverty: It's a broader concept, Includes lack of food and other necessities like education, shelter, healthcare, job, security, and social equality.
Inequality within Families:
- In poor families, some members suffer more than others.
- Women, elderly, and female infants often have limited access to family resources, making them the poorest within the family.
National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) 2005:
- Provides 100 days of guaranteed employment to every rural household in 200 districts, later extended to over 600 districts.
- One-third of jobs reserved for women.
- Establishes National and State Employment Guarantee Funds.
- Provides daily unemployment allowance if employment is not provided within fifteen days.
National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) 2005:
- Passed in September 2005.
- Provides 100 days of guaranteed employment to every rural household in 200 districts, later extended to over 600 districts.
- One-third of jobs are reserved for women.
- Establishes National and State Employment Guarantee Funds.
- Provides daily unemployment allowance if employment is not provided within fifteen days.
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