Poverty as a Challenge - Chapter Overview

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Questions and Answers

What proportion of people in India are considered poor?

One in five (correct)

One in four

One in eight

One in ten

What is the main focus of the chapter?

Measures taken by the government for economic growth

Poverty as a challenge in India (correct)

The role of education in alleviating poverty

The history of poverty in India

Which term is used to broaden the concept of poverty in the chapter?

Collective poverty

Economic poverty

Material poverty

Human poverty (correct)

What job does Ram Saran hold?

Daily-wage labourer in a flour mill Signup and view all the answers

How much does Ram Saran earn monthly when he finds work?

Rs 1,500 Signup and view all the answers

Who does Ram Saran have to financially support?

His elderly parents Signup and view all the answers

What type of community does Lakha Singh belong to?

Small village community Signup and view all the answers

How is the seriousness of poverty illustrated statistically?

By stating that India has the largest single concentration of the poor in the world Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a consequence of poverty?

Experiencing vulnerability Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to describe the exclusion of individuals or groups from basic benefits and opportunities?

Social exclusion Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT mentioned as a dimension of poverty?

Education Signup and view all the answers

What does poverty mean in terms of health and well-being?

Suffering from malnutrition Signup and view all the answers

How does poverty relate to the ability to secure housing?

It leads to homelessness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can lead to a sense of helplessness in individuals living in poverty?

Lack of clean water Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is described as a process through which poverty is perpetuated?

Social exclusion Signup and view all the answers

What issue is suggested to significantly challenge efforts to alleviate poverty in India?

Social inequality Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of income for Ram Saran's family?

Odd jobs for big farmers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the condition of Ram Saran's living situation?

They reside in a one-room rented house Signup and view all the answers

How much does Ram Saran's wife, Santa Devi, typically earn from her part-time maid work?

Rs 800 Signup and view all the answers

What challenge does Ram Saran's family face related to meals?

They cannot afford more than two square meals a day Signup and view all the answers

At what age did Lakha begin to earn money for the family?

10 years old Signup and view all the answers

Why did Lakha never attend the primary school in the village?

He had to start earning at a young age Signup and view all the answers

What health issue afflicted Lakha's family?

Tuberculosis (TB) Signup and view all the answers

What are considered luxuries for Ram Saran's family?

New clothes and soap Signup and view all the answers

What was the overall poverty ratio in India in 2009-10?

30% Signup and view all the answers

Which year saw the highest poverty ratio in rural areas according to the data?

1993-94 Signup and view all the answers

What was the trend observed in the number of poor people in India from 1993-94 to 2009-10?

Remained relatively stable Signup and view all the answers

Which social groups are identified as most vulnerable to poverty in India?

Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe households Signup and view all the answers

What was the percentage of the urban poor in 2011-12?

14% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the dynamics of poverty reduction in rural and urban India?

Rural areas tend to have a higher poverty ratio compared to urban areas. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of casual workers in urban areas are below the poverty line?

34% Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of the rural poor according to the data from 2011-12?

26% Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributed to the low growth rate of incomes in India until the 1980s?

High population growth rate Signup and view all the answers

How did the policies of the colonial government affect traditional handicrafts?

They ruined traditional handicrafts. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main causes of high levels of indebtedness among the poor?

Low savings due to poverty Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main strategies of the current anti-poverty measures in India?

Economic growth and targeted anti-poverty programs Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the results of the Green Revolution in India?

Creation of job opportunities in agriculture Signup and view all the answers

What does the cycle of poverty imply regarding economic growth and population control?

Both failure in economic growth and population control perpetuate poverty. Signup and view all the answers

Why do small farmers in India often need to borrow money?

To purchase agricultural inputs like seeds and fertilizers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors has NOT contributed to poverty in India?

High rates of income growth Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Poverty

Poverty remains a significant challenge in independent India, affecting roughly 270 million people as of 2011-12.
Over 20% of India's population lives in poverty, making it home to the largest concentration of the poor globally.
The chapter examines poverty through various lenses, including socio-economic dimensions and government anti-poverty measures.

Typical Cases of Poverty

Urban Case: Ram Saran
- Daily-wage laborer earning approximately Rs 1,500 monthly, supporting a family of six.
- Lives in a one-room rented house in a crowded area; family income insufficient for basic needs.
- Financial responsibilities extend to supporting elderly parents living in a rural area.
Rural Case: Lakha Singh
- Belongs to a landless family working odd jobs with irregular income.
- Family of eight struggles to secure daily meals and lives in a temporary hut.
- Siblings collectively earn meager income with limited access to education and healthcare.

Dimensions of Poverty

Poverty encompasses hunger, inadequate shelter, illiteracy, and lack of access to health care and sanitation.
Social exclusion exacerbates poverty, with marginalized groups often unable to benefit from socioeconomic advancements.
Vulnerability to poverty is heightened for rural agricultural laborers and urban casual laborers.

Statistical Overview of Poverty in India

Trends from 1993-2012 indicate a decline in poverty ratios; however, the absolute number of poor remained constant around 407 million.
Rural areas showed a higher poverty ratio compared to urban areas, but both sectors faced significant challenges.

Vulnerable Groups and Disparities

Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are among the most vulnerable social groups, facing compounded disadvantages in poverty.
Survey data reveal about 34% of urban casual laborers and 34% of rural casual laborers live below the poverty line.

Economic Trends and Influences on Poverty

Historical colonial policies damaged traditional industries, contributing to ongoing poverty through reduced job opportunities and economic growth.
High population growth rates, combined with inadequate growth of incomes, have perpetuated low per capita income levels.

Anti-Poverty Measures

Government strategies aimed at poverty alleviation focus on economic growth and targeted anti-poverty initiatives.
The current approach emphasizes creating job opportunities and providing social safety nets to assist the impoverished population.

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Description

This quiz explores the chapter on poverty as a significant challenge in independent India. It examines the multi-dimensional aspects of poverty, highlighting its prevalence and impact on society. Test your knowledge and understanding of this critical issue faced by millions.