Q.9 “ An essential condition to eradicate poverty is to liberate the poor from the process of deprivation”. Substantiate the statement with suitable examples. [7 +5.5=12.5 marks]

Q.9 “ An essential condition to eradicate poverty is to liberate the poor from the process of deprivation”. Substantiate the statement with suitable examples. [7 +5.5=12.5 marks]

Deprivation takes numerous forms such as derivation in health, education, etc. From the 1960 voice for Roti, Kapda, Makaan (food, clothes, shelter) to the rally point of Bijli, Sadak, paani (electricity, Road, water) the government has tried to liberate the poor from deprivation.

The slogan ‘Garibi hatao’ struck a chord with the poor and returned Congress with an absolute majority. Right from Independence, various anti poverty schemes have been initiated to tackle poverty and uplift the poor and disadvantaged section. Some of the schemes are listed,

• Health sector : National Health Mission, National Rural Health Mission, National Urban Health Mission, Rastriya Swastya Bima Yojana etc.  Primary Health Care Centres have been established in remote underdeveloped places to cater to the health needs of the poor. ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) has played a pivotal role in the last mile delivery and awareness
• Education sector : Right to Education Act, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, mid day meal scheme,etc have been adopted to improve literacy
• Food sector : National Food Security Act and Public Distribution System has been very effective in provisioning subsidized wheat, rice and dal to households
• Employment sector : Reservation in public employment to the weaker section. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme provides for hundred days of paid work. National skill mission, Startup India Stand up India aim to promote Entrepreneurship and skill development
• Reservation in elected bodies : In order to tackle political deprivation reservation for women, scheduled caste, Scheduled tribe has been provided by Indian constitution.

Poverty creates deprivation and deprivation perpetuates poverty. Government policies have aimed to break free from this vicious cycle. Since the poor have limited ability to absorb any external shocks (health related or disasters induced) their ability to cope up is limited. The government with various initiatives has tried to hinder the obstacles to progress.The government has tried to achieve the Gandhian goal of wiping every tear from every eye in varying degrees.

Only when poor are liberated from deprivation they can realise their true potential and contribute to the growth and development of the nation.