In 2015, the United Nations established the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a roadmap for a more sustainable and equitable world by 2030. Among these goals, SDG 1 stands as a beacon of hope, aiming to eradicate poverty in all its forms across the globe. India, with its colossal population and diverse socio-economic landscape, has taken significant strides towards achieving this goal. Leveraging programs like the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY), the Skill India Mission, and various others, India's fight against poverty is a multi-dimensional endeavor that has far-reaching impacts.
India's Progress: Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)
Recent data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) [2019-21] sheds light on India's progress in reducing multidimensional poverty. This data contributes to the second edition of the National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), showcasing the nation's advancements between NFHS-4 (2015-16) and NFHS-5 (2019-21). The MPI delves beyond just income levels, considering factors such as education, healthcare, and living standards.
The findings reveal a remarkable achievement: approximately 135 million individuals broke free from multidimensional poverty between 2015-16 and 2019-21. This progress is underpinned by a substantial decline of 9.89 percentage points in India's multidimensionally poor, dropping from 24.85% in 2015-16 to 14.96% in 2019-2021. The most rapid reduction in poverty occurred in rural areas, where the rate plummeted from 32.59% to 19.28%.
States Leading the Way
The report also highlights the incredible strides made at the state level. States such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Rajasthan have witnessed the fastest reduction in the proportion of multidimensionally poor individuals. This speaks to the effectiveness of targeted efforts in regions that traditionally faced higher poverty rates. It's a testament to the power of localized strategies, acknowledging the unique challenges and opportunities that each state presents.
Comprehensive Initiatives
India's commitment to tackling poverty encompasses a range of initiatives, each designed to address specific aspects of this complex challenge:
1. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY): The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in society, particularly among the marginalized. PMGKY, introduced in 2020, demonstrated India's agility in responding to crisis. This initiative included food distribution, cash transfers, and free gas cylinders. It not only cushioned the impact of the pandemic but also underscored India's dedication to protecting its most vulnerable citizens.
2. Skill India Mission: Recognizing the potential of its youth, India launched the Skill India Mission. By providing vocational training and enhancing employable skills, this initiative equips individuals with the tools needed to secure livelihoods and rise out of poverty. It's a long-term investment in the country's human capital.
3. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): Launched in 2014, this initiative ensures financial inclusion by offering every household access to banking services, insurance, and debit cards. PMJDY empowers millions to save, invest, and access credit.
4. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): Initiated in 2005, MGNREGA guarantees 100 days of wage employment to rural households. It not only provides income but also focuses on asset creation and rural infrastructure development.
5. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): Launched in 2015, PMAY aims to provide affordable housing for all by 2022, addressing the need for adequate shelter.
6. National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM - Aajeevika): This initiative focuses on building sustainable livelihoods in rural areas through skill development, training, and access to credit.
7. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Campaign): Initiated in 2014, this campaign significantly enhances sanitation and hygiene conditions, particularly in rural regions.
8. National Health Mission (NHM): Established in 2013, NHM provides affordable and accessible healthcare, with a focus on rural and underserved areas.
Challenges and the Way Forward
While the progress is heartening, challenges persist. Income inequality, regional disparities, and the urban-rural divide remain stumbling blocks. The data underlines the urgency of focusing on rural areas where poverty rates are higher. The journey ahead also demands innovation and adaptability, especially in the face of unforeseen events like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusion
India's pursuit of SDG 1 is a testament to its commitment to uplifting its citizens and creating an equitable society. The Multidimensional Poverty Index data, coupled with the success of initiatives like PMGKY and Skill India Mission, reflect the nation's determination to eradicate poverty in all its dimensions. While the road is challenging, it's heartening to witness millions being lifted out of poverty. India's journey towards achieving SDG 1 not only transforms individual lives but also contributes to a stronger, more resilient nation. As the nation forges ahead, collaborating across sectors and regions, the vision of a poverty-free India draws ever closer.
Source: UNDP
Note for UPSC Aspirants: For UPSC aspirants interested in exploring further, here are some keywords to guide your research: UNDP, Rural Development Strategies, Food security, Human Development, MGNREGA, PMJDY, PMGKY.
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