29 April 2025 : Daily Answer Writing
Q1) In what ways does poverty intersect with other social problems like caste, social stratification, and gender inequality? What comprehensive strategies do you suggest to address these interrelated issues? (15 marks, 250 words)
ANSWER
Poverty, as per the World Bank, is a multidimensional deprivation of well-being. In India, about 21.9% lived below the poverty line in 2011. However, poverty is not merely economic—it intersects with gender, caste, and social hierarchy, reinforcing marginalization.
- Intersection of Poverty and Gender Inequality:
- Economic Disparities: Women have lower employment rates and wages; often in informal sectors.
- Access to Resources: Limited rights over land/property hinder financial independence.
- Education: Higher dropout rates among girls due to early marriage and domestic burdens.
- Healthcare: Inadequate access to maternal care and high malnutrition among women.
- Intersection of Poverty and Caste:
- Social Exclusion: Dalits and Adivasis face systemic discrimination in education and jobs.
- Economic Exploitation: Practices like bonded labour and manual scavenging persist.
- Access to Opportunities: Affirmative action exists but practical barriers remain.
- Political Underrepresentation: Affects equitable resource distribution and policy focus.
Example: Dalit manual scavengers remain trapped in caste-based, unsafe, and underpaid work despite legal bans.
- Intersection of Poverty and Social Stratification:
- Infrastructure Gaps: Rural areas lack quality education, healthcare, and transport.
- Urban Migration: Leads to slum growth with poor living conditions and services.
- Wealth Inequality: The richest 1% own a disproportionate share of wealth.
- Limited Capital Access: Poor struggle to secure credit or invest in livelihoods.
Example: Dharavi slum in Mumbai illustrates urban poverty amidst migration and lack of opportunities.
- Holistic Approaches to Address Intersections:
- Multi-Sectoral Interventions: MGNREGA improves incomes and rural assets.
- Education & Skilling: National Skills Mission improves employability.
- Women’s Empowerment: Self-help groups, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao increase autonomy.
- Universal Basic Services: PM-JAY, housing, and education schemes offer safety nets.
- Anti-Discrimination Measures: Strict enforcement of SC/ST (PoA) Act is vital.
The UN’s Global MPI (2018) noted that 271 million Indians exited poverty (2005–2016), yet challenges remain. Addressing structural roots of deprivation through inclusive, integrated strategies is key to ensuring poverty reduction and social justice.
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