What’s the news?

• On the 77th Independence Day of our nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the historic Red Fort in Delhi, heralding a remarkable achievement in the fight against poverty.

Central idea

• The Prime Minister’s announcement highlighted the lifting of 135 million people from poverty in five years, as confirmed by the MDPI from NITI Aayog. This aligns with UNDP’s estimate of 415 million lifted out of poverty between 2005–06 to 2019–21, a commendable milestone in India’s history.

Remarkable Achievements in the Fight Against Poverty

• 135 Million Uplifted: Between 2015-16 and 2019-21, 135 million people were lifted out of poverty.
• 415 Million Escaped Poverty: From 2005–06 to 2019–21, India lifted 415 million people out of poverty (MDPI).
• Extreme Poverty Reduced: Extreme poverty decreased from over 80% to around 15% based on the MDPI.
• Leading Rice Exporter: Successful policies resulted in India becoming the largest exporter of rice.
• Top Producer of Milk and Cotton: India emerged as the largest producer of milk (222 MT) and cotton (39 million bales).
• Infant Mortality Decreased: Infant mortality decreased significantly from 57% in 2005–06 to 35% in 2019–21.

Factors Behind This Achievement

• Economic Policy Transition (1991): The shift to a market-oriented economy in 1991 generated substantial resources for poverty reduction.
• Strategic Government Initiatives: Targeted policies like the PM Garib Kalyan Yojana directly impact poverty reduction by providing essential commodities.
• Education and Skill Development: Prioritizing education and skill enhancement empowers individuals, grants access to improved livelihood opportunities, and contributes to child nutrition.
• Agricultural Reforms (Green Revolution): Innovations like the Green Revolution augmented rural incomes, lifting communities out of poverty by enhancing agricultural productivity.
• Women’s Empowerment: Focusing on women’s education and participation correlates with positive effects on family welfare and economic growth, as exemplified by proposals to train women in self-help groups for drone operation.
• Technological Advancements: Technological breakthroughs have streamlined service delivery, as seen in the provision of commodities through the PM Garib Kalyan Yojana and enhanced agricultural productivity via the gene revolution in cotton.
• Global Integration: Embracing globalization and trade expanded economic horizons, fostering growth, job creation, and effective poverty reduction.
• Resilience and Adaptability: Society’s adaptability to changing economic conditions bolstered resilience against poverty, preventing further economic deterioration.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborations between the government and the private sector magnified poverty reduction efforts, as evident from Punjab Agricultural University’s role in the Green Revolution.
• Civil Society Participation: Non-governmental organizations and civil society groups complemented government initiatives, actively contributing to poverty alleviation and service delivery.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data to identify poverty pockets and target interventions precisely enhances the efficacy of poverty reduction strategies.
• Foreign Exchange Reserves: India’s growth in foreign exchange reserves from $1.4 billion in July 1991 to approximately $600 billion bolstered the economy against external shocks, enhancing its ability to sustain poverty alleviation efforts.

Challenges and Concerns

• Child malnutrition: Despite progress, 32% of children are underweight and 35% are stunted, according to the NFHS-5.
• Climate Change Impact: Increasing extreme weather events due to climate change pose a threat to food security and poverty alleviation.
• Gender Gap in the Labor Force: Women’s participation rate in the labor force remains low at around 30% (2021–22).
• Quality Education Gap: Ensuring quality education and skill formation for women beyond the 12th grade is a challenge.
• Access to Nutritious Food: Ensuring equitable access to nutritious food, especially for vulnerable populations, is a challenge.

Way Forward: A Blueprint for Transformation

• Education Empowerment: Strengthen education programs beyond the 12th grade, providing quality education and skill formation for women to enhance their contribution to poverty reduction.
• Enhanced Gender Participation: Implement measures to boost women’s participation in the labor force, aiming to bridge the gender gap and empower women economically.
• Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Prioritize sustainable agricultural practices that address climate change challenges, ensuring food security and rural income stability.
• Nutrition Interventions: Develop targeted interventions to address child malnutrition, focusing on reducing underweight and stunting rates among children under five.
• Data-Driven Approach: Continuously utilize accurate and comprehensive data to inform policy decisions, ensuring effective poverty alleviation strategies.

Conclusion

• India’s remarkable poverty alleviation journey reflects recent unparalleled progress. Leveraging inclusive growth, women’s education, and agricultural innovation can drive lasting transformation. Safeguarding against climate change and enhancing food systems can pave the way for a prosperous and equitable future.

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