Topic : Issues relating to poverty and hunger;
4. In an unequal world, any shock impacts people unequally. So has this pandemic, as was the case with demonetization and their combined effect has exacerbated inequalities and misery of the poor. Policymakers should act with urgency to shield them from further suffering. Justify. (250 words)
Reference: Live Mint
Why the question:
Covid has widened inequality and pushed many who were reeling after demonetization closer to the brink.
Key Demand of the question:
To see the impact of widening inequalities on the poor caused by the pandemic as they were just beginning to recover from the shocks caused by the demonetization.
Directive:
Justify – When you are asked to justify, 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 using suitable case studies or/ and examples.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by giving context of increasing inequalities, of which the poor are bearing burnt in the face of the pandemic. Back it up with a relevant statistics/fact.
Body:
Bring out the detailed impact that these inequalities are manifested. Such as children’s education, Due to denial of access to adequate food and nutrition, livelihood, housing and basic amenities like water and sanitation facilities etc. Substantiate with facts.
Further, with over 90% of the population working in the informal economy, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has predicted that as a result of the crisis and subsequent lockdown, about 400 million workers will fall deeper into poverty.
Suggest the changes and new things that are needed to address this pressing issue.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
