Class 9th Economics Poverty as a Challenge Notes

1. Poverty

• Poverty is a situation where people cannot fulfill their basic needs like food, shelter, clothing, and education.
• It is a major social and economic challenge in India and many developing countries.
• Poverty is not just about low income, but also lack of opportunities, education, and healthcare.
• Reducing poverty is essential for social justice, equality, and sustainable development.

2. What is Poverty?

• Absolute Poverty: When a person cannot meet basic requirements like food, clothing, and shelter.
• Relative Poverty: When a person’s standard of living is lower compared to others in society.
• Indicators of Poverty:
  1. Low income.
  2. Hunger and malnutrition.
  3. Poor housing and sanitation.
  4. Lack of education and employment opportunities.
  5. Limited access to healthcare.

3. Extent of Poverty in India

• India has a large number of poor people, though the proportion is declining slowly.
• Poverty is concentrated in certain states, rural areas, and marginalized communities.
• Rural Poverty: Mainly due to unemployment, low agricultural productivity, small landholdings.
• Urban Poverty: Due to migration, unemployment, and informal sector jobs.

Key Facts:

• Poverty is measured using Poverty Line – the minimum income required to meet basic needs.
• People below poverty line (BPL) receive government support like subsidies and welfare schemes.

4. Causes of Poverty

4.1 Economic Causes

1. Unemployment → Lack of jobs reduces income.
2. Low agricultural productivity → Small landholdings and traditional farming methods.
3. Inequality → Unequal distribution of land, wealth, and resources.
4. Low industrial development → Limited opportunities in urban areas.

4.2 Social Causes

1. Illiteracy → Reduces employment opportunities.
2. Caste discrimination → Marginalized communities face social and economic exclusion.
3. Gender discrimination → Women have less access to resources, education, and jobs.

4.3 Demographic Causes

1. High population growth → More people competing for limited resources.
2. Migration to cities → Creates urban slums and unemployment.

4.4 Historical and Political Causes

1. Colonial exploitation → Poverty inherited from past economic policies.
2. Poor governance → Inefficient implementation of welfare schemes.

5. Effects of Poverty

1. Malnutrition and Hunger → Weakens human health and productivity.
2. Illiteracy → Poor education reduces future earning potential.
3. Poor Health → Lack of access to hospitals and clean water.
4. Unemployment → Leads to low income and poverty cycle.
5. Social Problems → Crime, child labor, exploitation, and social unrest.
6. Reduced Participation in Democracy → Poor people remain marginalized.

6. Government Measures to Reduce Poverty

6.1 Employment Programs

1. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
   • Provides 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in rural areas.
2. National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM)
   • Supports skill development and self-employment in urban areas.

6.2 Poverty Alleviation Schemes

1. Integrated Rural Development Program (IRDP) → Provides assets and loans to poor families.
2. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) → Develops rural infrastructure.
3. Food Security Programs → Public Distribution System (PDS) ensures food grains at subsidized rates.

6.3 Education and Skill Development

• Programs to increase literacy and vocational training for employment.
• Scholarships and free education for children from poor families.

6.4 Health and Nutrition

• Mid-day meal schemes in schools.
• Free immunization and health services.
• Women and child development programs.

7. Challenges in Poverty Reduction

1. Population Pressure → Large number of people below poverty line.
2. Regional Disparities → Some states are more backward than others.
3. Implementation Issues → Leakage, corruption, and inefficiency.
4. Illiteracy and Low Awareness → People unaware of government schemes.
5. Unemployment → Lack of skill-based jobs for rural and urban poor.

Quick Revision Points