Poverty as a Challenge - Anil Tutorials · Ans.Child labour 5. “Poverty is a curse upon humanity.” Explain. (CBSE 2013) Ans. Poor people have to go through various human sufferings.

Poverty as a Challenge 1

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INTRODUCTION1. Who is considered as poor ?

Ans. Landless labourer

2. Who advocated that India would be truly independent only when the poorest of its people becomes free of

human suffering ?

Ans. Mahatma Gandhi

3. In Mahatma Gandhi’s views when would India be truly independent ?

Ans. When the poorest of its people becomes free of human sufferings.

4. Which issue is related to poverty ?

Ans. Child labour

5. “Poverty is a curse upon humanity.” Explain. (CBSE 2013)

Ans. Poor people have to go through various human sufferings. No body would like to live in poverty. So, for the

following reasons we can say poverty is a curse on humanity :

(1) It leads to hunger and lack of shelter. They live in unhygienic conditions and invite host of diseases.

(2) They lack medical facilities and die of diseases in want of timely and proper treatment.

(3) Poor people are in a situation in which they are ill-treated at almost all places. Each time they are left with

scars on their spirit of self-respect.

(4) They live with the sense of helplessness.

(5) Poor parents are not able to send their children to school. This leaves them unawakened and unaware.

(6) The children of poor people have to earn their livelihood, even then they are not able to get their two square

meals.

POVERTY AS SEEN BY SOCIAL SCIENTISTS1. Name a major indicator of poverty ?

Ans. Illiteracy level.

2. Name a social indicator of poverty as seen by social scientists ?

Ans. (1) Lack of access to healthcare.

(2) Lack of access to drinking water.

3. What is social exclusion? Give one example of it. (CBSE 2011)Ans. (1) (i) According to the concept of social exclusion, poverty must be seen in terms of the poor having to live

only in poor surroundings with other poor people, excluded from enjoying social equality with better-off

people in better surroundings.

(ii) It is a process through which individuals or groups are excluded from facilities. benefits and opportunities

that others enjoy.

(2) Its typical example is the working of caste system in India. In this system, people from certain castes are

excluded from equal opportunities.

4. How is illeteracy responsible for poverty in India ? Explain. (CBSE 2011)

Ans. Illiteracy is responsible for poverty in the following manners :

(1) Today high agricultural production needs the input of new and effective technology. But in India most of thefarmers are illiterate. They fail to adopt new technologies and scientific agriculture. This leads to high cost

and low production and hence to poverty.

Poverty as a Challenge

2 Poverty as a Challenge


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(2) In the rural area, primary source of credit is the money-lenders. Since the farmers and other people are

mostly illiterate, the money-lenders take advantage. They are trapped in the debt-cycle. Hence, the poverty

sustains.

(3) Also in the urban area, illiterate people usually do unskilled Jobs. They are being paid less salaries.

(4) Illiterate people mostly work in the factories as manual labourers or at the shops. The factory owners and

shopkeepers exploit them. They work for many hours but are paid less.

5. How far is it correct to say that social exclusion can be both a cause as well as a consequence of poverty ?

Explain. (CBSE 2013)

Ans. (1) Poverty must be seen in terms of the poor having to live only in a poor surrounding with other poor people,excluded from enjoying social equality of better-off people in better surroundings. Social exclusion can be

both a cause as well as a consequence of poverty in the usual sense.

(2) Broadly, it is a process through which individuals or groups are excluded from facilities, benefits and

opportunities that others (their “betters”) enjoy.

(3) A typical example is the working of the caste system in India in which people belonging to certain castesare excluded from equal opportunities. Social exclusion thus may lead to, but can cause more damage than,

having a very low income.

6. Describe the facts of poverty as seen by social scientists. (CBSE 2013)Or

How is poverty interpreted by the social scientist ? Explain. (CBSE 2013)Or

Mention the other social indicators through which poverty is seen by social scientists. (CBSE 2013)Or

“Since poverty has many facets, social scientists look at it through a variety of indicators.” In the light of this

statement mention any three indicators. (CBSE 2013)Or

How is poverty viewed by social scientists ? Explain. (CBSE 2013)Or

Explain the various factors that analyse poverty according to social scientists ? (CBSE 2013)

Ans. Following indicators are used by social scientists to look at poverty :

(1) Illiteracy level : It is a situation where parents are unable to send their children to school.

(2) Lack of access to healthcare : It is a situation in which sick people cannot afford treatment.

(3) Lack of access to drinking water : It means lack of safe and clean drinking water facilities.

(4) Lack of job opportunity : It means no availability of regular job opportunity.

(5) Lack of general resistance : It means lack of general resistance due to malnutrition.(6) Lack of sanitation : It means cleaning of our surrounding.

POVERTY LINE1. How is poverty line in India fixed on the basis of the survey 2000 ?

Ans. 328 per month for the rural areas and at ? 454 for the urban areas.

2. What is the accepted average calorie requirement per person in rural areas of India ?

Ans. 2400 calories per person per day.

3. What is the accepted calories requirement in urban areas ?

Ans. 2100 cal / person / day



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4. In year 2000 what was the average Indian poverty ratio ?

Ans. 26%

5. Who conducts the periodical sample surveys for estimating the poverty line in India ?

Ans. National Sample Survey Organisation

6. Name a method to estimate the poverty line in India ?

Ans. Income method

7. On what basis is the poverty line in India defined ?

Ans. Minimum level of income

8. Which international organisation uses a uniform standard to measure the poverty line in developing countries

Ans. World Bank

9. Why do rural people require more calories ?

Ans. More people engage themselves in physical work.

10. Name an indicator of poverty in India.

Ans. Income level

11. What is a person called whose income or consumption level falls below a given ‘minimum level’ ?

Ans. Poor

12. Name an issue not related to poverty.

Ans. Literacy

13. (a) Define poverty line.

(b) How is .poverty line calculated in India ? (CBSE 2011)Ans. (1) Poverty line is a demarcation line by which we can understand that who are able to fulfil their essential

basic needs of life.

(2) Poverty line in India is calculated in the following ways :

(i) A person is considered poor if his/her income or consumption level falls below a ‘minimum level’ necessary

to fulfil basic needs.

(ii) While determining poverty line in India, a minimum level of food requirement. clothing, footwear, fuel and

light, educational and medical requirements etc are determined for subsistence.

(iii) Estimating the poverty line is also based on the desired calories requirement. It is 2400 calories per person

per day in the rural areas and 2100 calories in the urban areas.

14. What is poverty line ? What are the calories and rupees fixed for rural and urban areas for measuring poverty

line ? (CBSE 2011)

Or

What is poverty line ? Give the income for poverty line fixed for the rural and urban areas in India according to

Census 2000. (CBSE 2011)

Or

What is poverty line ? What is the income for poverty line for the rural and urban areas in India according to

2000. (CBSE 2013)

Or

Define the term poor and what is accepted average calories requirement in India for rural and urban areas.

(CBSE 2013)Ans. (1) (i) A person is considered poor if his or her income or consumption level falls below a given ‘minimum

level’ necessary to fulfil basic needs. This minimum level is considered as a poverty line.



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(ii) It is different at different times and in different countries.

(2) (i) The poverty line fixed for the rural and urban areas in India according to 2000 Census was ? 328 and X

454 per person per month respectively. It is higher in urban areas because of high prices of many

essential products in urban areas.

(ii) The accepted average of calories requirement in India is 2400 calories per person per day in the rural

areas and 2100 calories per person per day in the urban areas. It is high in the rural areas because of

more physical work by the rural people.

15. How is the poverty line in India determined ? Explain the methods. (CBSE 2013)

Or

Explain how the poverty line is determined in India ? Mention any two determinants. (CBSE 2013)

Ans. Estimation of the poverty line in India :

(1) A common method used to measure poverty is based on income and consumption levels.

(2) A minimum level of food requirement and other basic needs such as clothing, footwear, fuel and light,

educational and medical requirements etc., are determined for subsistence.

(3) These are then calculated in terms of money required to consume them by multiplying physical quantities bytheir prices in rupees.

(4) Such a consumption expenditure determines the poverty line. For the year 2000, the poverty line for a

person was fixed at 328/- per month in rural areas and 454/- for the urban areas.

16. What is poverty line ? What are the different ways to estimate poverty ? Who conducts the sample surveys to

estimate poverty lines ? (CBSE 2013 )

Ans. (1) To satisfy basic needs is different at different times and in different countries. Each country uses animaginary line that is considered appropriate for its existing level of development and its accepted minimum

social norms.

(2) The two common methods to measure poverty lines are :

(i) Consumption method : Determining the poverty line in India is based on the desired calorie requirement.The accepted average calorie requirement in India is 2400 calories per person per day in rural areas and

2100 calories per person per day in urban areas.

(ii) Income method : For the year 2000, the poverty line for a person was fixed at 328/- per month for the rural

areas and 454/- for the urban areas.

(3) National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) conducts sample surveys to estimate poverty lines.

POVERTY ESTIMATES1. Which method is used to measure poverty in India ?

Ans. Income or consumption levels.

2. What was the poverty ratio in India in 1973 ?

Ans. 55%

3. What was the percentage of the people below poverty line in India in the year 2000 ?

Ans. 26%

4. How is the poverty line estimated in India ? Explain with examples. (CBSE 2013)

Ans. Common method used to measure poverty is based on the income or consumption level :

(1) A person is considered poor if his/her income of consumption level falls below a given ‘minimum level’

necessary to fulfil some basic needs. These basic needs vary for different times and places.



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(2) While determining poverty line in India minimum level of food requirement, clothing, footwear, fuel and light,educational and medical requirements etc. are determined for subsistence. These physical quantities are

multiplied by their prices in rupees and poverty line is determined. .

(3) The present formula for food requirement while estimating the poverty is based on desired calorie requirement

which varies depending on age, sex and the type of work that a person does.

(4) (i) The accepted average calorie requirement in India is 2400 calories per person per day in rural areas and

2100 calories per person per day in urban areas.

(ii) For the year 2000, the poverty line for a person was fixed 328/- per month for the rural areas and454/- for the urban areas.

5. Describe in three points about the poverty trends in India since 1973. (CBSE 2011)

Or

Describe the poverty trends in India since 1973. (CBSE 2013)

Ans. Following are the features of poverty trends in India since 1973 :

(1) There is substantial decline in poverty ratios in India from about 55 per cent in 1973 to 36 per cent in 1993.

(2) The proportion of people below poverty line further came down to about 26 per cent in 2000.

(3) If this trend continues people below poverty line may come down to 20 per cent in the next few years.

(4) The latest estimates indicate a significant reduction in the number of poor to about 260 million i.e., 26

crores.

VULNERABLE GROUPS1. Which social groups are most vulnerable to poverty ?

Ans. Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe households.

2. Name a category that does not come under the category of urban poor ?

Ans. The shopkeeper

3. Which category of the poor is at the double-disadvantage position ?.

Ans. Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, landless, casual wage labour household.

4. Who are considered poor ? Explain and identify the economic and social groups which are most vulnerable to

poverty.

Ans. (1) (i) A person is considered poor if his/her income or consumption level falls below a given ‘minimum level’

necessary to fulfil some basic needs.

(ii) As per year 2000, persons earning less than 1640/- month in the rural area and less than 2270/- month

in the urban areas are considered poor.

(iii) Persons getting less than 2400 calories/day in the rural areas and less than 2100 calories/day in the

urban areas are considered poor.

(2) (i) Social groups which are most vulnerable to poverty are Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes households.

They are mostly illiterate, unaware, landless, jobless, prone to diseases, etc.

(ii) Among the economic groups, the most vulnerable groups include the rural agricultural households andthe urban casual labour household. It is so due to seasonal nature of job, minimum wages, exploitation

by the employer, etc.

5. Mention social and economic groups who are more vulnerable to poverty in India. Explain any two reasons of

poverty in such communities. (CBSE 2011)

Or ‘Describe about social and economic groups which are more vulnerable to poverty in I India.



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Ans. (1) Following are the social and economic groups more vulnerable to poverty in India :

(i) Poor people of Scheduled Castes.

(ii) Poor people of Scheduled Tribes.

(iii) Agricultural labourers and casual labourers.

(iv) Backward class people, over aged, women, children, physically and mentally challenged people.

(2) Following are the reasons of poverty in such communities :

(i) In India caste system has many ill effects. In this system people from such communities are excluded from

equal opportunities and facilities that others enjoy.

(ii) Illiteracy is one of the causes. They are mostly illiterate. When they migrate to the towns, they work in

factories, at the shops etc. The factory owners and shopkeepers exploit them.

(iii)They (SCs, STs) are usually landless. They work as labourers in the field. They are not paid enough.(iv)They celebrate festivals and do other social activities. For this, they take money from moneylenders.

Moneylenders exploit them and they become victim of indebtedness.

6. Explain the meaning of ‘vulnerability’. Which sections of the society are more vulnerable to poverty ?

(CBSE 2012)

Or

What is meant by ‘vulnerability’ regarding poverty ? Which economic and social groups are most vulnerable to

poverty in India and why ? (CBSE 2012)

Ans. (1) Vulnerability : It describes the greater probability of certain communities (members of a backward caste)

or individuals becoming poor in the coming years.

(i) Economic : (a) Urban casual labourers, (6) Rural agricultural labourers.

(ii) Social: (a) Scheduled Tribes, (6) Schedule Castes.

Physically challenged people and old people are also vulnerable to poverty. Their income is less. They are

below the poverty line. The disadvantaged social groups are also below the poverty line.

INTER-STATE DISPARITIES1. Why there has been a significant decline in poverty in Kerala ?

Ans. Because it focused more on human resource development.

2. Name a state which has the poverty ratio below the national average.

Ans. Maharashtra

3. Which state in India has focused more on human resource development ?

Ans. Kerala

4. Which two states of India are the poorest ?

Ans. Orissa and Bihar

5. Name a state which is still facing a serious problem of poverty ?

Ans. Orissa

6. Name a state where poverty is not a serious problem.

Ans. Kerala

7. Which states have traditionally succeeded in reducing poverty with the help of high agricultural growth rates ?

Ans. Punjab and Haryana8. Which Indian state has the maximum number of people living below poverty line ?

Ans. Orissa



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9. What reason is responsible for the reduction of poverty in Punjab ?

Ans. Increase in farm yields

10. Describe one factor each for the success of Haryana, Kerala and West Bengal in reducing poverty.

(CBSE 2013)

Ans. Following are the factors that helped Haryana, Kerala and West Bengal in reducing poverty :

(1) Haryana : It has succeeded in reducing poverty with the help of high agricultural growth rates. In fact, it

is one of the Indian states that benefited the most from the Green Revolution.

(2) Kerala : Kerala succeeded in reducing poverty by investing on human resource development. Kerala is

one of the highest literate states of the country.

(3) West Bengal : In West Bengal, land reform measures have helped in reducing poverty.

11. State the most responsible factor for the significant decline in poverty in the State of Kerala, West Bengal and

Tamil Nadu. (CBSE 2013)

Ans. (1) Kerala : Kerala has focused more on human resource development to reduce poverty.

(2) West Bengal : In West Bengal, the government focused on land reform measures to reduce poverty

effectively.

(3) Tamil Nadu : In Tamil Nadu, public distribution of food grains could have been responsible for the improvement

in the state of poverty.

12. Give an account of inter-state disparities in poverty in India. (CBSE 2011)Or

Explain briefly inter-state disparities of poverty in India. (CBSE 2013)

Or

Give a brief account of inter-state disparities of poverty in India. (CBSE 2013)

Ans. Proportion of poor people is not same in every state in India. The following facts disclose about the inter-state

disparity in poverty in India :

(1) The success rate of reducing poverty varies from state to state. Poverty is still a serious problem in some of

the states such as Orissa, Bihar, U. P. etc.

(2) In 20 states and Union Territories, the poverty ratio is less than the national average. There is a significant

decline of poverty in Kerala and Jammu and Kashmir.

(3) Orissa and Bihar continue to be the two poorest states with poverty ratio of 47% and 43% respectively.

Illiteracy, social backwardness etc. are the causes.

(4) Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab have the lowest poverty ratio of 3.5% and 6% respectively. This is

because of high agricultural growth and growth of tourism industry in these states.

13. Give one most responsible factor for the reduction of poverty in each of the following states :

(1) Punjab (2) Kerala (3) West Bengal (4) Andhra PradeshExplain the principal measures taken in Punjab, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh to reduce poverty.

(CBSE 2011)

Ans. The most responsible factors or principal measures for the reduction of poverty in each of the following

states are as follow :

(1) Punjab : The government has traditionally succeeded in reducing poverty with the help of highagricultural growth rate. This is among the states which was mostly benefited due to Green Revolution

in the decades of 1970s and afterwards.

(2) Kerala : It is one of states having highest literacy rate. The government has been focusing on human

resource development.



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(3) West Bengal : During the long reign of Communist rule, land reform measures were taken at large scale.

This benefited both the farmers and the agricultural labourers.

(4) Andhra Pradesh : Here, the public distribution of food grains could have been responsible for the

improvement in poverty scenario.

14. "The proportion of poor people is not the same in every state”. Justify the statement. (CBSE 2013)

Or

Why is the population of poor people not the same in every state ? Explain in three points. (CBSE 2012)

Ans. Proportion of poor not being the same in every state has the following reasons :

(1) The success of reducing poverty varies from state to state.

(2) 20 states have poverty ratio less than national average.

(3) Orissa and Bihar continue to be the two poorest states with poverty ratios of 47 and 43 per cent respectively.

(4) There is significant decline in poverty in Kerala, J & K, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and some other

states.

(5) With the help of high agricultural growth rates, states like Punjab and Haryana have succeeded in reducing

poverty to a large extent.

(6) Proper organization of Public Distribution System in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu has also helped to

tackle the problem of poverty.

GLOBAL POVERTY SCENARIO1. Which country of the world has largest percentage of population below $ 1 a day according to the World Bank

report, 2001 ?

Ans. Nigeria

2. In which countries did poverty actually rise from 1981-2001 ?

Ans. Sub-Saharan African countries.

3. In which country has poverty resurfaced ?

Ans. In Russia.

4. What was the percentage of poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2001 ?

Ans. 46

5. By which year, the Millennium Development Goal of the United Nations calls for reducing the proportion of

people living on less than $ 1 a day to half the 1990 level ?

Ans. By 2015.6. Which country has a higher poverty ratio than India ?

Ans. Bangladesh

7. Name a country where poverty has declined at a very sharp rate.

Ans. China

8. Give a brief description of the global poverty trends. (CBSE 2013)

Ans. (1) Proportion of people living in developing countries in extreme economic poverty has fallen from 28% in

1990 to 21% in 2001.

(2) But it is marked with regional differences in decline in poverty. For example China.

(3) Poverty has decreased in percentage but the number of poor continues to be almost the same.

(4) In Sub-Saharan Africa poverty rose from 41% in 1981 to 46% in 2001.



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9. Who are considered poor in India ? What was the number of poor people in China from 1981 to 2001 ? Why did

poverty decline in China ? (CBSE 2012)

Ans. (1) A person is considered poor if his or her income or consumption level falls below a given “minimum level”

necessary to fulfil basic needs.

(2) Number of the poor in China has come down from 606 million in 1981 to 212 million in 2001.

(3) The decline in poverty in China was due to :

(i) Rapid economic growth.

(ii) Massive investment in human resource development.

10. What is the Millenium Development Goal of United Nations in the area of poverty reduction ? Name the areas

of the world where poverty ratio has declined. (CBSE 2012)

Ans. (1) The Millenium Development Goal of the United Nations calls for reducing the Proportion of people living on

less than $ 1 a day to half the 1990 level by 2015.

(2) Poverty has declined substantially in China and South-east Asian countries.

(3) In the countries of South Asia like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal etc. the decline has not been very

rapid.

11. Describe the global poverty scenario as studied by the World Bank. (CBSE 2013)

Or

Explain any five features of the global poverty scenario. (CBSE 2013)

OrDescribe three distinct features of global poverty scenario. (CBSE School Exam, 2013)

Ans. Following are the features of the global poverty scenario :

(1) The proportion of people in developing countries living in extreme economic poverty — defined by the

World Bank as living of less than $ 1 per day — has fallen from 28 per cent in 1990 to 21 per cent in 2001.(2) Poverty declined substantially in China and South-east Asian countries as a result of rapid economic

growth and massive investment in human resource development.

(3) In the countries of South Asia the decline has not been as rapid.

(4) In Sub-Saharan Africa poverty in fact rose from 41 per cent in 1981 to 46 per cent in 2001.

(5) In Latin America the ratio of poverty remained the same.

(6) Poverty has also resurfaced in some of the former socialist countries. like Russia, where officially it was

non-existent earlier.

CAUSES OF POVERTY1. Mention a major reason for the lack of effectiveness of targetted anti-poverty programmes ?

Ans. Ineffective implementation.

2. Give a reason for the poverty in India.

Ans. Lower growth rate

3. Mention an issues related to poverty in India.

Ans. Uneven distribution of land resources.

4. Highlight any five major reasons that are responsible for poverty in India ?

Or

Explain any five major causes for the widespread poverty in India. (CBSE 2013)

Or

Explain any five major causes of poverty in India. (CBSE 2013)

Ans. Following are the causes of poverty in India :



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(1) One of the historical reasons is the low level of economic development under the British colonial administration.

The policies of the colonial government ruined traditional handicrafts and discouraged development of

industries like textile.

(2) The low rate of growth is one of the important reasons. This resulted in less Job opportimities and low

growth rates of incomes. This was accompanied by high growth rate of population.

(3) Lack of land resources has been one of the major causes of poverty in India. Land reforms which aimed atredistribution of assets in rural areas have not been implemented properly and effectively by most of the

state governments.

(4) Effects of irrigation and Green Revolution were limited to some parts of India.

(5) Backwardness in agriculture is also an important reason. People mostly use old traditional methods of

farming. This requires much labour and time.

(6) Industries were not able to provide enough Jobs. There were huge income inequalities.

5. How is regular growth of population one of the major causes of poverty ? (CBSE 2011)

Ans. The regular growth of population is one of the causes of poverty in the following ways :

(1) Due to high population growth rate, pressure on resources will increase.

(2) Due to it, unemployment will increase.

(3) High population growth rate increases the rate of depletion of resources.

(4) Due to less income, the people belonging to below poverty line will increase.

6. How far is the low level of economic development under British colonial government responsible for poverty

in India ? (CBSE 2013)

Ans. The low level of economic development under British colonial government is responsible for poverty in India

in many ways :

(1) The policy ruined the traditional handicraft and discouraged development of industries.

(2) The low rate of growth persisted tili 1980s and this was accompanied by high growth of population.(3) The failure at both the fronts : promotion of economic growth and population control perpetuated the

cycle of poverty.

ANTI-POVERTY MEASURES1. Which one of the following is not a Food Intervention Programme ?

Ans. Rural Wage Employment Programme.

2. When was the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) passed ?

Ans. In 2005.

3. In which year was NREGA enacted ?

Ans. 2005

4. Which programmes was launched in the year of 2000 ?

Ans. Pradhan Mantri Gramodaya Yozana

5. The current anti-poverty programme consists of which two planks ?

Ans. Promotion of economic growth and targeted poverty programme.

6. For how many days NREGA provides employment ?

Ans. 100

7. Which scheme was started in 1993 to create self-employment opportunities for educated unemployed youth in

rural areas and small towns ?

Ans. Prime Minister Rozgar Yozana



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8. Which anti-poverty programmes provides 100 days of assured employment ?

Ans. National Rural Employment Guarantee Act

9. In which year was the Pradhan Mantri Gramodaya Yozana (PMGY) launched ?

Ans. 2000

10. When was ‘National Food for Work Programme’ launched ?

Ans. November 14, 2004

11. Poverty is the root cause of many evils. Suggest some measures to be taken by government to eradicatepoverty.

Ans. Following are the measures that the government should take in order to eradicate poverty :

(1) (i) Government should take steps to achieve higher economic growth rates.

(ii) It should focus on the development of infrastructure projects related to transport, energy production and

distribution, education, health, etc.

(iii) Since in India, most people depend on agriculture and it has been a sector with a performance much

below expectation, the government should make programmes to develop this sector.

(2) (i) Government should run various targeted anti-poverty programmes timely and effectively.

(ii) NREGA is one of the most important programmes that Covers almost whole of the country. This is

meant to ensure a minimum employment days to the rural poor in a year.

(iii) National Food for Work Programme is run in 150 most backward districts of the country.

(iv) PMRY is aimed to create self-employment for youths in rural India.

(v) Through PMGY, the central government assists states in improving basic services such as primary

health, primary education, rural shelter, rural drinking water and electrification etc.

12. Describe any three features of ‘National Food for Work Programme (NFWP). (CBSE 2013)

OrWhat are the major objectives of the ‘National Food for Work Programme ? Mention its three objectives.

(CBSE 2013)

Ans. For answer see Q. No. 15(5).

13. Suggest some measures to remove poverty from India. (CBSE 2013)

Ans. Following are some measures to remove poverty from India :

(1) There is an urgent need to curb high population growth rate.

(2) There is reasonable need to promote business groups to establish eco-friendly industries in the rural areas

so that poor people migrating to town and cities could find jobs at their place.

(3) There is need to take steps to lessen the gap of income inequalities.

(4) Lack of land resources has been one of the major reasons of poverty in India. So, there is need of land

reforms and redistribution of land assets in the rural areas.

(5) Arrangement of easy credit to the small farmers for buying various agricultural inputs.

(6) Government should take effective measures to reduce high level of indebtedness among the rural poor.

14. Explain any three features of Prime Minister Rozgar Yozana (PMRY). (CBSE 2013)

Ans. For answer see Q. No. 15(1).

15. Describe any two important poverty alleviation programmes currehtly being implemented in India.

(CBSE 2011)

Or

Explain any five anti-poverty measures taken up by the government of India.



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Or

State the names of any five Poverty Alleviation Programmes introduced by the government to remove

poverty in India. ( CBSE 2013)

Or

Describe any five projects launched by the government to alleviate poverty in India. (CBSE-2012)

Or

Briefly explain the government’s strategies of poverty alleviation. (CBSE 2013)

Ans. Following are the major poverty alleviation programmes initiated or implemented by the government of India(1) Pradhan Mantri Roj gar Yozana (PMRY)

(i) This programme was launched in 1993.

(ii) It is aimed at providing self-employment opportunity to educated unemployed youth in the rural and urban

areas.

(iii) Under this programme scheduled banks provide loans at a lower interest rate to , start small business

and set up industries.

(2) Rural Employment Generation Programme (REGP)


(ii) The aim of the programme is to create self-employment opportunity in rural areas and small towns.(iii) A target for creating 25 lakh new Jobs has been set for this programme under the tenth five year plan.

(3) Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yozana (SGSY) (i) This scheme was launched in 1999.

(ii) This programme aims at bringing the rural poor families above the poverty line.(iii) To achieve this goal, it organises them into self help groups (SHGs) through a mix of bank credit and

government subsidy.

(4) Pradhan Mantri Gramodaya Yozana (PMGY)


(ii) Under this programme the central government provides additional assistance to the state government for

improving basic services in the village.

(iii) The major basic services covered under this programme are primary health, primary education, rural

shelter, rural drinking water and rural electrification.

(5) National Food for Work Programme (NFWP)

(i) This programme was launched in 2004 in 150 most backward districts of the country.

(ii) This programme is open to all rural poor who are in need of wage employment and desire to do manual

unskilled work.

(iii) It is implemented as a 100 per cent centrally sponsored scheme.

(iv) Under this scheme, food grains are provided free of cost to the states.

(v) Later this scheme was merged with NREGA.

(6) National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA)(i) This Act was passed in September 2005.

(ii) This Act is now renamed as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA).

(iii) This act provides 100 days assured employment every year to every rural household in 200 districts. Later,

the scheme will be extended to 600 districts.

(iv) One third of the proposed Jobs would be reserved for women.



ANIL TUTORIALS

(v) The central government will establish National Employment Guarantee Funds (NEGF). The state governments

will also establish State Employment Guarantee Funds (SEGF) for implementation of scheme.

(vi) Under this programme if an applicant is not provided employment within 15 days, he/she will be entitled to

a daily unemployment allowance.

(7) Antyodaya Anna Yozana (AAY)

(i) This scheme was launched in December 2000.

(ii) One crore of the poorest among the BPL families were covered under the targeted PDS.

(iii) 25 kg of food grains were made available to each eligible family at a highly subsidized rate of 2/- per kg for

wheat and 3/- per kg for rice.

(iv) This quantity has been enhanced from 25 kg to 35 kg with effect from April 2002.

(v) Now almost two crore families are covered under this scheme.

16. How can poverty be reduced in future in India ? Suggest any four points. (CBSE 2012)

OrMention any three measures to reduce poverty in India. (CBSE 2012)

Ans. By sticking to the following provisions, poverty can be reduced in future in India :

(1) Attaining sustainable higher economic growth rate.

(2) By increasing stress on universal free and essential primary education.

(3) By providing sufficient medical facilities even in the rural areas so that the population growth rate could be

minimized.

(4) By focusing on empowerment of the women and economically weaker section of the society.

17. Why the results of the poverty alleviation programmes have been mixed up ? (CBSE 2011)

Ans. Following are the reasons for which the results of the poverty alleviation programmes have been mixed up :

(1) One of the major reasons for less effectiveness is the lack of proper implementation and right targeting.

(3) Every year a huge number is added to the population pool of the country. This renders the schemes

ineffective.

(4) Despite good intentions, the benefits of these schemes do not fully reach to the deserving poor.

18. Mention the two planks on which the current anti-poverty strategy of the government is based. Why were the

poverty alleviation programmes not successful in most parts of India ? (CBSE 2012)

Ans. (1) The two planks on which the current anti-poverty strategy of the government is based are :

(i) Promotion of economic growth. (ii) Targated anti-poverty programmes.

(2) The poverty alleviation programmes were not successful in most parts of India because :

(i) Lack of proper implementation and right targeting.

(ii) There has been a lot of overlapping of schemes.

(iii) Every year a huge number is added to the population pool of the country. This renders the scheine ineffective.

(iv) Despite good intentions, the benefits of these schemes do not fully reach to the deserving poor.

19. What is poverty ? What is NREGA and state its objective ? (CBSE 2011)

Or

What are the main features of the ‘National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005’ ? (CBSE 2013)

Or

What are the main objectives of NREGA ? (CBSE 2013)

Ans. (1) Poverty is a Situation in which one is unable to get even the minimum basic necessities of life such as food,

clothing and shelter. A person is considered poor if he/she is not able to fulfil his/her basic needs.



ANIL TUTORIALS

(2) NREGA is National Rural Employment Guarantee Act which was passed in September 2005. Its main

objectives are as follow :

(i) It provides 100 days assured employment every year to every rural household in 200 districts.

(ii) One-third of the proposed Jobs are reserved for women.

(iii) If an applicant is not provided employment within 15 days, then he or she becomes entitled to a daily

unemployment allowance.

20. ‘There is a strong link between economic growth and poverty reduction.’ Explain the Statement.

(CBSE 2012)

Or

Do you think economic growth is linked with the reduction of poverty ?’ Give any three arguments in support of

your answer. (CBSE 2013)

Ans. (1) The higher growth rates have helped significantly in the reduction of poverty. In the 1980s, India’s economic

growth was one of the fastest in the world.

(2) The growth rate rose from the average of about 3.5 per cent a year in the 1970s to about to 6 per cent

during the 1980s and 1990s.

(3) The higher growth rates have helped significantly in the reduction of poverty. Therefore it is becoming clear

that there is a strong link between economic growth and poverty reduction.

(4) Economic growth widens opportunities and provides the resources needed to invest in human development.

(5) This also encourages people to send their children, including girls, to schools in the hope of getting better

economic returns from investing in education.

21. What is the contribution of NREGA-2005 as an anti-poverty programme ? Explain. (CBSE 2012 )

Ans. Following are the contribution of NREGA-2005 as an anti-poverty programme : For answer see Q. No. 19.

22. What is meant by targeted anti-poverty programmes ? Explain the needs to adoptAns. (1) The programmes, which are formulated to affect poverty directly or indirectly are known as targeted

anti-poverty programmes.

(2) (i) Economic growth widens opportunities and provides the resource needed to invest in human development.(ii) However, the poor may not be able to take advantage from the opportunities created by economic

growth. So, there is need for targeted anti-poverty programmes in India.

(iii) This encourages people to send their children to schools in the hope of getting better economic returns

from investing in education.

23. Which circumstances compelled the government to start targeted anti-poverty programmes ? Mention the

names of any two such programmes. (CBSE 2012)

Ans. Following circumstances compelled the government to start targeted anti-poverty programmes :

(1) Since the poor are not able to take advantage from the opportunities created for them, the growth in theagriculture sector is much below expectations. In agriculture sector, a large number of poor people are

employed therefore, the need for targeted anti-poverty programmes was felt.

(2) Such programmes are as follows :

(i) National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005(ii) National Employment Guarantee Funds(iii) National Food for Work Programme(iv) PMRY, SGSY, PMGY or AAY

24. “Removal of poverty has been one of the major objectives of Indian developmental strategy”. Support the

statement with suitable examples. (CBSE 2012)



ANIL TUTORIALS

Or

“Removal of poverty has been one of the major objectives of Indian developmental strategy”. In the light of this

statement explain two planks of Indian government on anti-poverty strategy. (CBSE 2012)

Ans. Two planks of anti-poverty strategy :

(1) Promotion of economic growth :

(i) The higher growth rates have helped in the reduction of poverty.

(ii) Economic growth widens opportunities and provides the resources needed to invest in human development.

(iii) This also encourages people to send their children to school in the hope of getting better returns from

investing in education.

(2) Anti-Poverty Programmes :

There are so many schemes formulated to effect poverty directly or indirectly :

(i) NREGA

(ii) Prime Minister Rozgar Yozana (PMRY)

(iii) Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yozana (SGSY)

25. What are the reasons for the ineffectiveness of the poverty alleviation programmes ? (CBSE 2013)

Ans. Following are the reasons for the ineffectiveness of the poverty alleviation programmes :

(1) These programmes are not properly implemented due to Intervention at different levels of administration.

(2) Many of these programmes lack right targeting.

(3) Many of the poverty alleviation programmes overlap each other.

(4) Despite good intention, the benefits of these schemes are not fully reached to the deserving poor.

(5) There are many loop holes in proper monitoring of these schemes.

(6) The nexus of leaders, officials and contractors not only get their shares from the funds for these

schemes, also they exploit the workers.

(7) Often the banks do not fulfil their targets of providing credit to the needy, as provisioned by the government

under some of these schemes.

THE CHALLENGES AHEAD1. What is the most compelling challenge in India ? Suggest any two measures to deal with this challenge.

(CBSE 2013)

Ans. (1) The most compelling challenge in India is poverty reduction.

(2) The measures that can be adopted by the Government of India are :

(i) Higher Economic Growth : With the help of higher economic growth, we can solve this problem.

(ii) This would be possible mainly due to increasing stress on universal free elementary education, declining

population growth etc.

2. Describe the challenges in the way of poverty alleviation in India. (CBSE 2012)

Or

Mention any three major challenges before India with respect to poverty alleviation ? (CBSE 2012)

Ans. Following are the challenges before India with respect to poverty alleviation :

(1) Wide disparities in poverty are visible between rural and urban areas and among different states.

(2) Certain social and economic groups are more vulnerable to poverty.

(3) Poverty reduction is expected to make better progress in the next 10 to 15 years.

3. Explain any three bigger challenges that still remain to be tackled in the way to eradicate poverty.

(CBSE 2012)



ANIL TUTORIALS

Ans. Following bigger challenges still remain to be tackled :

(1) Providing healthcares to all.

(2) Providing education and job security to all.

(3) Achieving gender equality and dignity for poor.

4. “The official definition of poverty captures only a limited part of what poverty really means to people”.

Explain the meaning of this statement ? (CBSE 2012)

Ans.(1) The official definition of poverty is only about a minimum subsistence level of living rather than a

reasonable level of living. Many people feel that the concept needs to be broadened to human poverty.

(2) A large number of people may have been able to feed themselves but they are not educated. They do nothave shelter. They might not get healthcare or job security or self-confidence. They are not free from caste

and gender discrimination.

(3) These arguments demand redefining of the definition of poverty.

5. ‘Despite progress in various fields, poverty reduction remains India’s most compelling challenge”. Justify the

statement with three arguments. (CBSE 2013)

Or

“Poverty reduction remains India’s compelling challenge”. In the light of this statement identify five areas

where poverty continues to exist. (CBSE 2012)

Ans. (1) Wide disparities in poverty are visible between rural and urban areas and

Poverty as a Challenge - Anil Tutorials · Ans.Child labour 5. “Poverty is a curse upon humanity.” Explain. (CBSE 2013) Ans. Poor people have to go through various human sufferings.

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