India

Poverty a concern in India

A child rag picker/The Open View

June 24, 2023

India’s population is approximately 1.3 billion people, making it the second-most populous country in the world. Despite being home to some of the wealthiest individuals and companies on the planet, the country also has an unfortunate distinction of having an alarmingly high poverty rate. According to the World Bank, over 270 million people in India live below the poverty line, which is about 21.9% of the total population.

Poverty in India can be attributed to a number of different factors. One of the major contributors is the lack of access to education and stable jobs, which creates a cycle of generational poverty. Many individuals in poverty in India are unable to obtain the skills necessary to secure employment, which only perpetuates the problem.

Another significant factor is the country’s agriculture-dependent economy. Agriculture accounts for 50% of employment in India, and due to its reliance on monsoon rain, it can be highly volatile. Natural disasters like droughts and floods often devastate crops and leave farmers without a source of income, forcing them into further poverty.

The situation of India’s poverty figure is heartbreaking, and a greater concerted effort is necessary to combat poverty on a local, national and international level. The Indian government and international organizations are working on poverty eradication programs that aim to provide people with the tools necessary to lift themselves out of poverty. This includes increased access to education, job training, healthcare, clean water, and sanitation.

In conclusion, poverty is a significant issue in India that needs to be addressed. It is crucial for the government and other organizations to prioritize efforts to combat poverty so that everyone in India can live a decent life.

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