Why are employment generation programmes important in poverty alleviation in India?
In India, a dual problem exists i.e., poverty and unemployment. Poverty can effectively be eradicated only when the poor start contributing to growth by their active involvement in the development process. This can only be achieved by launching various employment schemes and furnishing employment opportunities for all.
(i) Nexus between Unemployment and Poverty:
There exists a deep nexus between unemployment and poverty. If employment opportunities are generated, then more people will be employed leading to a rise in their income, which in turn will reduce poverty.
(ii) Availability of Basic Facilities:
With the rise in employment opportunities, income increases and poor people are able to get access to education, health facilities, proper sanitation, etc.
(iii) Creation of Assets:
The employment generation programmes aim at the creation of assets like water harvesting, irrigation facilities, construction of roads, construction of dams, etc. All these assets help in the social and economic development of the rural areas and hence, eradicate poverty.
(iv) Training for Skills:
An essential element of employment generation programmes is the formation of human capital by imparting skills to the unskilled labourers through training. This skill formation enhances the income-earning capability of poor people.
Thus, poverty alleviation programmes like Prime Minister Rozgar Yojana, Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana, MNREGA etc have been implemented.