Q8. Hunger and Poverty are the biggest challenges for good governance in India still today. Evaluate how far successive governments have progressed in dealing with these humongous problems. Suggest measures for improvement.

Model Answer:

Introduction

 Hunger and poverty are indeed two of the most significant challenges faced by India, affecting millions of citizens and posing serious impediments to good governance. 

Progress in Addressing Hunger

Yes:

  • Food Security Act: The National Food Security Act (2013) has been a landmark initiative, providing subsidized food grains to around 800 million people. As of 2022, approximately 80 crore individuals benefit from this scheme, helping reduce hunger.
  • Mid-Day Meal Scheme: This initiative ensures nutritious meals for school children, significantly improving enrollment and attendance rates. Reports indicate a decrease in malnutrition among children.

No:

  • Persisting Malnutrition: Despite government efforts, India still has the highest number of undernourished people globally. According to the Global Hunger Index 2023, India ranks 107 out of 121 countries, highlighting the inadequacy of existing measures.

Progress in Addressing Poverty

Yes:

  • Poverty Reduction: Various schemes like PM Awas Yojana and MGNREGA have contributed to poverty alleviation. The World Bank reported a decrease in the poverty rate from 22% in 2011 to about 10% in 2020.
  • Skill Development Initiatives: Programs like Skill India aim to enhance employability, targeting youth unemployment and improving livelihoods.

No:

  • Income Inequality: Economic growth has not translated uniformly across different strata of society, with wealth concentration among the top 10% increasing. According to Oxfam, the wealth of India’s billionaires increased by 35% during the COVID-19 pandemic, exacerbating poverty for the bottom 50%.

Suggested Measures for Improvement

  1. Strengthen Implementation: Ensure robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for existing programs to prevent leakages and corruption.
  2. Enhance Coverage: Expand the reach of food security schemes to include marginalized communities, ensuring no one is left behind.
  3. Focus on Sustainable Livelihoods: Invest in sustainable agricultural practices and create job opportunities in rural areas to promote economic independence.
  4. Increase Awareness and Accessibility: Conduct awareness campaigns about available schemes and simplify access to benefits.

Conclusion

While successive governments in India have made strides in combating hunger and poverty, significant challenges remain. A focused approach that enhances existing initiatives and addresses underlying inequalities is crucial for achieving sustainable development.

‍

Instant Mains Evaluation with SuperKalam

✅ Now that you have gone through the model answer, try practicing and writing it in your own words and evaluate it instantly with SuperKalam here - Evaluate Mains Answer instantly

Read more blogs