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Poverty in India

  • Writer: Maelie Ciccioli
    Maelie Ciccioli
  • Jan 25, 2023
  • 3 min read

When people lack the most basic essentials of existence, it is said that they are considered to be in poverty. It is frequently characterized by a lack of enough food, housing, and clothing. India is one of the world's poorest nations. Many Indians do not consume two meals daily. They don't live in decent housing. Their kids don't attend quality schools.


The agriculture


Growing population worsens the issue of poor agricultural practices. In addition, wealth is not distributed equally. As a result, the wealthier neighborhood frequently takes advantage of the underprivileged. Poor agricultural practices, a growing population, the gap between the rich and the poor, corruption, and black money are the main contributors to poverty in India.

India is mostly a farming nation. Most of the population of the nation relies on agriculture. The agriculture, meanwhile, is struggling. Farmers are ignorant and poor. They are unaware of contemporary farming practices. They lack effective watering facilities. Seeds and fertilizer do not arrive in a timely manner. The yield is hence low. Currently, agriculture is not profitable. There is a food shortage. It must be imported. So, one of the reasons for India's poverty is its inadequate agricultural sector.


The overpopulation


Poverty in India is a major issue that has been plaguing the country for decades. According to the World Bank, as of 2021, 27.1% of India's population lives below the national poverty line. This amounts to over 340 million people living in poverty in India, making it one of the poorest countries in the world.

One of the main causes of poverty in India is the country's high population growth rate. As the population continues to increase, the country's resources are spread thin, making it difficult for individuals to access basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare. Additionally, the country's economic growth has not been able to keep pace with

population growth, further exacerbating the problem.




Lack of access to education

Another major contributor to poverty in India is the country's lack of access to education and employment opportunities. Many individuals living in poverty in India have limited access to education, which makes it difficult for them to find well-paying jobs.

Additionally, many of the jobs that are available are low-paying and do not provide a sustainable livelihood. This is particularly true for women and members of lower castes, who face additional barriers to education and employment opportunities.




The living conditions


Living conditions for those living in poverty in India are often dire. Many individuals are forced to live in slums or other overcrowded, unsanitary conditions. These living conditions lead to a host of health problems, including malnutrition, poor sanitation, and a lack of access to clean water. Furthermore, many individuals living in poverty in India are unable to afford basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter, which can lead to a cycle of poverty that is difficult to break.

In addition to the above issues, there are several other factors that contribute to poverty in India, including poor infrastructure, lack of access to credit and finance, and lack of government support. These issues make it difficult for individuals living in poverty in India to improve their living conditions and break the cycle of poverty.




The government


The Indian government has implemented several programs and policies aimed at reducing poverty in the country. These include the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, which provides 100 days of guaranteed employment to rural households, and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, which provides financial services to individuals living in poverty. However, the effectiveness of these programs has been limited, and more needs to be done to address the root causes of poverty in India.


In conclusion, poverty in India is a major issue that affects millions of individuals in the country. It is caused by a number of factors, including high population growth rate, lack of access to education and employment opportunities, poor living conditions, poor infrastructure, and lack of government support. While the Indian government has implemented several programs to address poverty, more needs to be done to address the root causes of the problem. It is important that the government, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders work together to find sustainable solutions to poverty in India, so that all citizens can have access to a better life.

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