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Poverty
Eradication Programs in India since Independence- A Brief Review |
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| Paper Id :
18182 Submission Date :
2023-10-13 Acceptance Date :
2023-10-18 Publication Date :
2023-10-25
This is an open-access research paper/article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. DOI:10.5281/zenodo.10171208 For verification of this paper, please visit on
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| Abstract |
Since India's independence in 1947, the country has made
significant strides in poverty eradication programs. This paper examines the
various initiatives taken by the government, evaluates their effectiveness, and
analyzes the importance and challenges of such programs. Furthermore, it
highlights the crucial role played by the Green Revolution and White Revolution
in India's economic development, emphasizing the continued need for poverty
alleviation efforts and scientific independence to foster a prosperous and
self-sufficient nation. |
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| Keywords | Community Development Programme (CDP), Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP), National Rural Employment Programme (NREP), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) (2011), Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (2014), Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (2016), Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (2018), Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) (2019), Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (2020). | ||||||
| Introduction | Poverty
eradication has been a significant challenge for India since gaining
independence in 1947. To tackle this issue, the Indian government has
implemented various poverty alleviation programs to uplift marginalized and
vulnerable sections of society. This paper overviews these initiatives,
evaluates their successes and shortcomings, and explores their broader
implications for India's development across education, employment, healthcare,
and social welfare sectors. India has been grappling with poverty since its
independence in 1947. The government has implemented various poverty
eradication programmes to address this issue.
As I have said
in the earlier paragraph, since gaining independence in 1947, India has faced
the daunting challenge of poverty eradication. The Indian government has
implemented various poverty alleviation programs to address this issue,
focusing on education, employment, healthcare, and social welfare. These
programs have aimed to uplift the living standards of the marginalized and
economically vulnerable sections of society. This paper examines some prominent
poverty eradication initiatives undertaken in India since its independence. |
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| Objective of study | The paper on
poverty eradication programs in India since gaining independence in 1947 has
several objectives. Firstly, it aims to provide a comprehensive
historical overview of such programs. Secondly, it seeks to assess the impact and
effectiveness of various poverty alleviation initiatives implemented by the
Indian government in addressing poverty and related socio-economic disparities. Thirdly, it focuses on programs across
different sectors, including education, employment, healthcare, and social
welfare, and analyses their role in improving the living standards of
marginalized and economically vulnerable populations. Fourthly, it highlights the importance of
poverty eradication in reducing income inequality, promoting human capital
development, and fostering economic growth in India. It identifies and discusses common
challenges faced in implementing poverty eradication programs, such as funding
constraints, sustainability issues, administrative efficiency, and cultural
considerations. It underscores the pivotal role
played by the Green Revolution and White Revolution in India's agricultural and
dairy sectors and their contribution to economic development. Seventhly, it emphasizes the benefits of poverty
eradication programs, such as economic growth, improved health and education,
reduced dependency on social assistance, and enhanced social cohesion, while
acknowledging the challenges involved in their implementation. Eighthly, it explains the research methodology, including the comprehensive review of existing literature, government reports, policy evaluations, and qualitative data from case studies to provide a holistic perspective on poverty eradication efforts. It discusses the importance of science independence in India's development journey and its relationship with poverty alleviation. Finally, it stresses the need for sustained poverty alleviation initiatives and science independence to ensure India's continued progress toward becoming a prosperous and self-reliant nation. |
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| Review of Literature | This section
presents an in-depth analysis of the poverty eradication programs in India,
from the early Community Development Programme (CDP) to more recent endeavours
like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana and Ayushman Bharat. It also discusses
the Green and White Revolutions as significant contributors to India's economic
growth. The review evaluates the impact of these programs on income inequality,
human capital development, economic growth, social stability, and the reduction
of dependency on social assistance. Furthermore, it identifies common
challenges in implementing these programs, such as funding constraints,
sustainability issues, administrative efficiency, and cultural considerations. Here are some
of the poverty eradication programmes that India has implemented since its
independence. 1. Community
Development Programme (CDP) i. Launched in
1952, it aimed to improve the living standards of the rural population. ii. Focused on
building roads, schools, hospitals, and other basic infrastructure in rural
areas. iii. Aimed to
improve agriculture and animal husbandry practices. iv. However,
the programme was unsuccessful as it did not involve the rural population in
the decision-making process. 2. Integrated
Rural Development Programme (IRDP) i. Launched in
1978, it aimed to provide financial assistance to the rural population for
starting small businesses. ii. Provided
financial assistance to the rural population for starting small businesses such
as agriculture, animal husbandry, and cottage industries. iii. successfully
provided financial assistance to the rural population but did not address
the unequal distribution of resources. 3. National
Rural Employment Programme (NREP) i. Launched
in 1980, it aimed to create employment opportunities for the rural population. ii. Focused
on employing the rural population through various public works programmes. iii. successfully
created employment opportunities but did not address the root cause of
poverty. 4. Mahatma
Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) i. Launched in
2005, it aimed to employ the rural population for at least 100 days a year. ii. Successful
in providing employment opportunities to the rural population. iii. Addressed
the issue of unequal distribution of resources. iv. Successful
in reducing poverty in rural areas. 5. National
Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) (2011): i. Focuses on
promoting self-employment and skill development among rural households. ii. Aims to
improve rural women's social and economic empowerment through self-help groups
and capacity-building programs. 6. Pradhan
Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (2014): i. Aimed at
financial inclusion by providing all households access to banking services,
insurance, and pensions. ii. Enables
marginalized sections to save, invest and access credit facilities. 7. Pradhan
Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (2016): i. Addresses
energy poverty by providing free LPG connections to women from
below-poverty-line households. ii. Reduces
indoor air pollution and health hazards associated with traditional cooking
fuels. 8. Ayushman
Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (2018): i. Focuses on
providing health coverage to vulnerable households. ii. Aims
to alleviate the financial burden of medical expenses and improve access to
quality healthcare. 9. Pradhan
Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) (2019): i. Provides
direct income support to small and marginal farmers. ii. Aims to
ensure a steady income flow to farmers and augment agricultural productivity. 10. Atmanirbhar
Bharat Abhiyan (2020): i. Introduced as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. ii. Focuses on promoting self-reliance, supporting businesses, and providing financial relief to vulnerable sections of society. |
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| Methodology | The research
methodology for this paper involves a comprehensive review of existing
literature, government reports, and data on poverty eradication programs in India.
Additionally, qualitative data from case studies and policy evaluations have
been examined to provide a holistic perspective. Two More Tools
For Poverty Eradication:- Green Revolution: In the 1960s, there was a significant transformation in Indian agriculture known as the Green Revolution. This period saw the adoption of modern technology, including the use of high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, mechanized farm tools, irrigation facilities, fertilizers, and pesticides. This revolution converted Indian agriculture into a modern and industrial system. White Revolution: Besides the Green Revolution, India also underwent the White Revolution, which focused on increasing milk production through modern technology and breeding techniques. This revolution was highly successful and helped India become one of the world's largest milk producers. |
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| Findings |
The findings of this study underscore the significance of
poverty eradication programs in reducing income inequality, fostering human
capital development, and promoting economic growth. They also highlight the
positive effects on health, education, and social cohesion. However, the paper
also recognizes persistent challenges in terms of funding, sustainability,
administrative efficiency, and cultural adaptability. Moreover, it emphasizes
the critical role played by the Green Revolution and White Revolution in
India's agricultural and dairy sectors. Benefits of Poverty Eradication
Programs: 1. Economic growth: As more individuals escape poverty, the overall
consumer base and workforce expand, boosting economic activity and growth. 2.
Improved health and education: Poverty alleviation leads to better access to
healthcare and education, resulting in a healthier and more skilled workforce.
3. Reduced dependency on social assistance: Economic independence reduces
reliance on welfare programs, freeing up resources for other developmental
initiatives. 4. Enhanced social cohesion: Poverty eradication fosters a sense
of inclusivity and social cohesion, reducing social disparities and promoting
unity. Importance of Poverty Eradication Programs: 1. Reduction of income
inequality: Poverty eradication programs contribute to reducing the gap between
the rich and the poor, creating a more equitable distribution of wealth within
society. 2. Human capital development: By providing education and healthcare
access, these programs empower individuals to enhance their skills and
capabilities, making them more employable and economically independent. 3.
Enhanced productivity: Poverty alleviation initiatives lead to increased
productivity and economic growth as more people become active participants in
the workforce. 4. Social stability: Economic independence resulting from
poverty eradication reduces social tensions, crime rates, and the potential for
social unrest. Benefits of Poverty Eradication Programs: 1. Economic growth: As
more individuals escape poverty, the overall consumer base and workforce
expand, boosting economic activity and growth. 2. Improved health and
education: Poverty alleviation leads to better access to healthcare and
education, resulting in a healthier and more skilled workforce. 3. Reduced
dependency on social assistance: Economic independence reduces reliance on
welfare programs, freeing up resources for other developmental initiatives. 4.
Enhanced social cohesion: Poverty eradication fosters a sense of inclusivity
and social cohesion, reducing social disparities and promoting unity.
Challenges in Implementing Poverty Eradication Programs: 1. Funding
constraints: Adequate financial resources are essential for the success of
these programs, often posing a challenge for governments, particularly in
low-income economies. 2. Sustainable impact: Ensuring the long-term
sustainability of poverty eradication efforts requires careful planning and
continuous monitoring. 3. Administrative efficiency: Efficient implementation
and monitoring mechanisms are necessary to prevent leakage and ensure that aid
reaches its intended recipients. 4. Cultural considerations: Programs should be
culturally sensitive and tailored to local contexts to achieve maximum
effectiveness. |
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| Conclusion |
To summarize,
India's efforts towards poverty eradication have been a mix of achievements and
challenges. While the country has made significant progress in improving the lives
of millions of its citizens, there are still concerns about equitable
distribution, practical implementation, and sustained impact. A comprehensive
approach encompassing economic growth, education, healthcare, and social
welfare is essential for poverty reduction. Furthermore, the Green and White
Revolutions have played a pivotal role in transforming Indian agriculture and
dairy production. India's journey
towards poverty eradication since independence has witnessed the implementation
of numerous programs targeting various dimensions of poverty. A multi-pronged
approach encompassing economic growth, education, healthcare, and social
welfare is crucial for achieving poverty reduction in India. These initiatives
reflect the country's commitment to ensuring a dignified and prosperous life
for all its citizens, and ongoing efforts are essential to building an
inclusive and equitable society. In A Nutshell— i. Poverty
eradication programmes have played a vital role in improving the lives of
millions in India. ii. Pursuing science independence has been integral to India's development journey. iii. Continued efforts in poverty eradication and science independence are essential for a prosperous and self-reliant India. |
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| Suggestions for the future Study | The paper heavily relies on secondary data obtained from books and the internet. However, there is room for more in-depth research on this subject, which could involve gathering more detailed information and conducting practical surveys to assess the impact of the policy. Another research student could put together a larger sample size and conduct a survey based on it. Alternatively, they could focus on a different location and analyze a separate data set. Conducting such studies rigorously across different localities and regions could provide a broader understanding of the subject matter at a national level. | ||||||
| Limitation of the Study | The study has several limitations that are worth noting. Firstly, the research is solely based on secondary data, which may be inaccurate. Therefore, the findings cannot be generalized, although they can provide a snapshot of the state of various policies. Secondly, the accuracy of primary data relies on the authenticity of information provided by respondents. We cannot rule out the possibility that some of the data may be inaccurate since all secondary data is ultimately based on primary data. | ||||||
| Acknowledgement | I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my father, Dr Goutam Chatterjee, who serves as the Principal of KCC in Birbhum, for his unwavering support and encouragement. I would also like to express my profound appreciation to my beloved mother for her boundless love and invaluable emotional support. Last but not least, all credit goes to my dear teachers and Dr. Pravesh Tamang, Assistant Professor, department of Economics, of Presidency University, Kolkata. |
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| References | 1. Datt, R.
& Sundharam, K.P.M. 2022.Indian Economy: New Delhi
.S.Chand& Company Ltd 2. Bhaduri. A.
(2005). “Development with Dignity”, National Book Trust. New
Delhi, India. 3. The
information about the programs after 2016 was taken from the following links: 4. https://www.pmuy.gov.in/about.html 5.https://nha-gov-in.translate.goog/PM-JAY?_x_tr_sl=en&_x_tr_tl=hi&_x_tr_hl=hi&_x_tr_pto=tc 6. https://pmkisan.gov.in/ 7. https://aatmanirbharbharat.mygov.in/ |
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