Poverty, hunger, and inequality are interrelated issues that are addressed through various international and national reports, schemes, and programs. These efforts aim to provide comprehensive solutions and track progress in alleviating these challenges.
1. International Reports and Indices
a. Global Hunger Index (GHI)
- Description: The Global Hunger Index is an annual report published by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe. It measures and tracks hunger at the global, regional, and national levels.
- Indicators: The GHI is based on four indicators: undernourishment, child wasting (low weight for height), child stunting (low height for age), and child mortality.
- Example: According to the 2023 GHI report, India has shown progress in reducing hunger but still faces challenges, particularly in child malnutrition and stunting. The report highlights the need for enhanced nutritional interventions and food security measures.
b. Human Development Report (HDR)
- Description: Published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the HDR provides comprehensive data on human development indicators, including poverty, inequality, and access to education and healthcare.
- Indicators: The HDR features indices such as the Human Development Index (HDI) and the Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI).
- Example: The 2023 HDR revealed that while global human development has improved, inequality remains a significant concern. It emphasized the need for policies that address disparities in income and access to essential services.
c. World Bank Poverty and Inequality Reports
- Description: The World Bank publishes various reports on poverty and inequality, providing data and analysis on global and national trends.
- Indicators: Reports often include data on income distribution, poverty rates, and the impact of economic policies on inequality.
- Example: The World Bank’s 2023 Poverty and Shared Prosperity report highlighted the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on global poverty rates, emphasizing that economic recovery efforts need to focus on reducing inequalities exacerbated by the pandemic.
2. National Reports and Indices
a. National Family Health Survey (NFHS)
- Description: Conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India, the NFHS provides data on health, nutrition, and demographic indicators.
- Indicators: The survey includes data on malnutrition, child health, and access to healthcare services.
- Example: The NFHS-5 (2019-21) reported that while there have been improvements in certain health indicators, issues like child stunting and anemia remain prevalent in India, reflecting ongoing challenges in addressing hunger and nutrition.
b. Economic Survey of India
- Description: The Economic Survey, published annually by the Ministry of Finance, provides an overview of India’s economic performance and includes analyses of poverty and inequality.
- Indicators: The survey discusses trends in economic growth, poverty reduction, and income inequality.
- Example: The 2023 Economic Survey highlighted progress in poverty reduction but noted that inequality remains a concern, particularly in rural areas and among marginalized communities.
c. State of the Indian Farmer Report
- Description: Produced by the National Commission on Farmers, this report provides insights into the conditions of farmers in India, including issues related to poverty and inequality in the agricultural sector.
- Indicators: It includes data on agricultural productivity, income levels, and access to resources.
- Example: The 2023 report highlighted the challenges faced by smallholder farmers, including low incomes and inadequate access to modern farming techniques, which contribute to rural poverty and inequality.
3. Government of India Schemes and Programs
a. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)
- Description: PMAY aims to provide affordable housing to the urban poor and rural poor.
- Focus: It focuses on improving living conditions and reducing poverty by providing financial assistance for home construction or improvement.
- Example: Under PMAY, over 1 crore houses have been sanctioned, with the goal of providing housing for all by 2022.
b. National Food Security Act (NFSA)
- Description: NFSA aims to provide subsidized food grains to eligible households to address hunger and food insecurity.
- Focus: It ensures access to food at affordable prices through the Public Distribution System (PDS).
- Example: The NFSA covers more than 80 crore people, providing rice, wheat, and coarse cereals at highly subsidized rates to the poor.
c. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
- Description: MGNREGA guarantees 100 days of wage employment per year to rural households.
- Focus: It aims to enhance livelihood security by providing employment opportunities and creating rural infrastructure.
- Example: MGNREGA has been instrumental in providing income support to rural workers, particularly during economic downturns and natural disasters.
d. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme
- Description: This scheme focuses on improving the welfare of girls through education and empowerment.
- Focus: It aims to address gender inequality and improve the status of girls by promoting their education and health.
- Example: The scheme has led to increased enrollment of girls in schools and improved sex ratio in various states.
e. Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme (DAY-NULM)
- Description: DAY-NULM provides employment opportunities and promotes skill development in urban areas.
- Focus: It aims to enhance urban livelihoods and reduce poverty by providing financial assistance for skill training and employment.
- Example: The scheme has helped urban poor individuals find jobs and improve their economic conditions through various skill development programs.
f. Swachh Bharat Mission
- Description: The mission aims to improve sanitation and hygiene across India.
- Focus: It addresses poverty and health issues by promoting clean living conditions and sanitation infrastructure.
- Example: The construction of toilets in rural areas and urban slums under this mission has significantly improved public health and sanitation.
Conclusion
Efforts to address poverty, hunger, and inequality involve a combination of international and national reports, as well as targeted government schemes and programs. International reports like the Global Hunger Index and Human Development Report provide valuable data and insights into global and national trends, while national reports and indices offer specific data on local conditions. Government schemes such as PMAY, NFSA, and MGNREGA aim to tackle these issues directly by providing housing, food security, employment, and other essential services. Together, these efforts contribute to reducing poverty and inequality and improving the overall quality of life for disadvantaged populations.
