Rural poverty in India remains a persistent challenge despite economic growth and policy interventions. It is shaped by a complex interplay of structural, social, and economic factors that limit opportunities and access to basic services for millions living in villages.
Causes of Rural Poverty:
- Agricultural Dependence:
- Majority of rural households rely on subsistence farming, which is vulnerable to climatic shocks, low productivity, and land fragmentation.
- Unemployment and Underemployment:
- Limited non-farm employment opportunities lead to seasonal and disguised unemployment.
- Low Educational Attainment:
- Poor access to quality education and vocational training restricts upward mobility and skill development.
- Health and Nutrition Deficits:
- Inadequate healthcare infrastructure, malnutrition, and high disease burden reduce productivity and increase vulnerability.
- Social Inequality:
- Caste-based discrimination, gender bias, and exclusion of tribal communities perpetuate poverty cycles.
- Debt and Indebtedness:
- Dependence on informal credit sources with high interest rates traps families in poverty.
Poverty Alleviation Programmes for Rural Poor:
The Government of India has launched several targeted schemes to address rural poverty:
- Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA):
- Provides 100 days of wage employment annually to rural households through manual work on public projects.
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G):
- Offers financial assistance for constructing pucca houses for rural families.
- Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM):
- Promotes self-employment and SHG-based entrepreneurship among rural women and poor households.
- Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY):
- Enhances rural connectivity, facilitating access to markets, education, and healthcare.
- National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP):
- Provides pensions to elderly, widows, and disabled persons living below the poverty line.
- Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY):
- Offers skill development training to rural youth for better employment prospects.
- Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission – Gramin:
- Improve sanitation, drinking water access, and public health outcomes.
Conclusion: Rural poverty in India is deeply rooted in structural inequalities and economic vulnerabilities. While government schemes have made significant progress, sustained efforts in education, healthcare, skill development, and inclusive governance are essential to ensure long-term poverty reduction and rural empowerment.