Subject: Indian Society

The persistent cycle of multidimensional poverty in India has witnessed a significant transformation, with NITI Aayog reporting a substantial decrease in poverty rates from 24.8% to 14.9% between 2015-16 and 2019-21, lifting approximately 135 million people out of deprivation through targeted interventions in nutrition, education, and basic amenities.

Breaking the Cycle of Deprivation

• Economic Empowerment: Initiatives like MGNREGA and National Rural Livelihood Mission provide guaranteed employment and skill development opportunities, enabling the poor to become financially independent.

• Educational Access: Programs like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Mid-Day Meal Scheme ensure children from marginalized communities receive quality education, breaking intergenerational poverty cycles.

• Healthcare Infrastructure: The Ayushman Bharat scheme provides comprehensive healthcare coverage, preventing health-related financial catastrophes that often push families into poverty.

Addressing Multiple Dimensions of Poverty

• Social Security Measures: Implementation of schemes like PM-KISAN and National Social Assistance Programme provide direct financial support to vulnerable sections.

• Digital Inclusion: The JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile) enables direct benefit transfers, reducing leakages and ensuring efficient delivery of welfare benefits.

• Infrastructure Development: Programs like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Jal Jeevan Mission address basic infrastructure needs, improving living standards.

Sustainable Solutions for Poverty Alleviation

• Skill Development: Initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana enhance employability through vocational training and certification.

• Financial Inclusion: The Stand-Up India scheme promotes entrepreneurship among marginalized communities, creating sustainable income sources.

• Women Empowerment: Programs like MUDRA Yojana and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao focus on gender equality and women's economic participation.

India's commitment to poverty alleviation is reflected in its social sector spending, which constitutes a significant portion of government expenditure. The success of targeted interventions like Indonesia's Family Hope Program demonstrates that comprehensive approaches addressing multiple deprivations can effectively break the poverty cycle. The path forward lies in strengthening these initiatives while ensuring sustainable development goals are met through continued focus on education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.