Topic:poverty and developmental issues, Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
3) India has recently recorded the fastest absolute reduction in the Index value among 10 countries across every developing region. Evaluate the policy paradigm that has led to such a commendable progress.(250 words)
Why this question:
The Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) 2019 report, an initiative of the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative and the United Nations Development Programme, released last week, says that India has recorded the fastest absolute reduction in the Index value among 10 countries across every developing region.
Demand of the question:
The answer must analyse policies and programs that made the change in poverty levels possible.
Directive word:
Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidences. You have to appraise the worth of the statement in question. There is scope for forming a personal opinion here.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction
Highlight the findings of the report in a line or two.
Body
Discuss the key findings of the report – According to this report, between 2005-06 and 2015-16, India lifted 271 million out of poverty and reduced deprivations in many of its 10 indicators, particularly in assets, cooking fuel, sanitation and nutrition. It also says that Jharkhand, among the poorest regions in the world, reduced the incidence of multi-dimensional poverty — captured in indicators such as nutrition, sanitation, child mortality, housing, cooking fuel, years of schooling and electricity — the fastest.
Explain in what way schemes or programmes designed to provide pucca housing, toilets, cooking gas, power, roads and healthcare or the public provision of private goods with a lot of positive externalities have led to the change in the poverty dynamics.
Conclusion
Conclude with need for growth with its trickle-down effect to further reduce and eliminate poverty and to ensure economic convergence among states.
