Subject: Governance

The persistence of poverty in India despite numerous welfare schemes reflects the critical role of political will in poverty alleviation. According to the World Bank's Spring 2025 Poverty Brief, while India's extreme poverty rate fell from 16.2% in 2011-12 to 2.3% in 2022-23, significant challenges remain in program implementation and effectiveness.

Performance Analysis of Major Poverty Alleviation Programs

MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act)

• The program's budget allocation decreased from ₹1.05 lakh crore in 2023-24 to ₹86,000 crore in 2024-25, indicating reduced political commitment.
• Implementation challenges include:
  • Delayed wage payments affecting worker participation.
  • Limited asset creation and skill development opportunities.
  • Poor convergence with other development programs.

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)

• The scheme shows mixed results with:
  • PMAY-Rural allocation remaining stagnant at ₹54,500 crore (2024-25).
  • PMAY-Urban seeing an increase to ₹30,170 crore (2024-25).
• Success indicators include:
  • Improved housing quality and reduced congestion.
  • Enhanced electrification coverage.
• Challenges persist in:
  • Gaps in housing demand assessment.
  • Lack of basic amenities in constructed houses.

Role of Political Will in Program Effectiveness

Positive Impact of Strong Political Will

• Ensures adequate budget allocation and timely fund release.
• Strengthens monitoring mechanisms and accountability frameworks.
• Promotes convergence between different welfare schemes.

Consequences of Weak Political Will

• Results in:
  • Poor targeting of beneficiaries.
  • Corruption and leakages in implementation.
  • Insufficient resource allocation.
• Creates gaps between policy formulation and ground-level execution.

The success of poverty alleviation programs hinges on sustained political commitment, as evidenced by initiatives like Mission Antyodaya and NITI Aayog's Aspirational Districts Programme. Future effectiveness requires strengthening institutional frameworks, ensuring transparent implementation, and maintaining consistent political support for poverty reduction goals.