Question

What is poverty? Explain the causes of poverty in India.

Answer 1

Instructions: Establish the meaning of poverty and explain the causes of poverty in India in detail.

Solution:

• Poverty is defined as a state or condition in which a person or community lacks the financial resources and essentials for a minimum standard of living.
  
• Low economic development: India experienced a low level of economic development during the British colonial rule which destroyed traditional handicrafts and resulted in less job opportunities and hence low growth rate of incomes.
  
• High population growth rate: The jobs created in the agricultural sector after the green revolution were not able to satisfy the job demand of all the job seekers due to high population growth rate in India. Low levels of income pushed people into living in slums and poverty.
  
• Income inequality: The primary reason behind income inequality shall be attributed to the unequal distribution of land and other resources in India.
  
• Socio-cultural and economic reasons: These factors include who borrow money for festivals and marriage ceremonies out of obligation. It also includes small farmers who fall into debt-traps.