“Poverty is the parent of revolution and crime”. —Aristotle
Poverty is a state where individuals lack financial resources for basic living needs, affecting social, economic, and political factors. It is evaluated using absolute poverty and relative poverty, with relative poverty varying across countries and societies. Causes of poverty are rising living costs, increasing population, which is leading to unemployment, climate change, slow economic development, lack of infrastructure, poor agriculture, lack of food and water, etc.
These lead to poor health, homelessness, crime, mental health challenges, malnutrition, family issues, infant mortality, starvation, insufficient access to health care, and climate change, which results in rising food prices and limited access to food, increasing the risk of hunger for many. Numerous initiatives have been undertaken globally to combat poverty, with India implementing various government schemes aimed at uplifting the economically disadvantaged. Noteworthy efforts
include the Integrated Rural Development Program, Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awaas Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, and Sampoorna Gramin Rozgar Yojana.
Beyond India, countries worldwide have employed diverse strategies to alleviate poverty. These encompass fostering agricultural productivity growth, embracing progressive industrialization, undertaking well-managed industrial development, and expanding investments in infrastructure. These concerted efforts reflect a commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges of poverty on both national and international scales.
But are these enough? What more can be done?? To alleviate poverty, it is imperative to expedite economic growth, enhance infrastructure, and boost agricultural productivity. Critical measures include halting the reduction of agricultural land, preventing its conversion into urban spaces, and avoiding soil degradation caused by extensive construction of concrete structures. Prioritizing affordable housing, implementing effective population control measures, establishing a robust public distribution system, introducing comprehensive social security programs, and facilitating targeted credit initiatives are additional strategies that can significantly contribute to poverty reduction.
Apart from this, we, as individuals, can also contribute to helping the poor. We can support businesses that donate to charity, give some money to reputable charities, donate groceries to local food banks, start a fundraiser, distribute meal kits to the local homeless community, or just spread awareness about poverty on social media.
Poverty is a serious issue that requires urgent action through effective measures for sustainable growth, inclusiveness, and societal development.
Jagruthi Yalavarthi
Vishwa Vidyapeeth