Saturday 4 July 2015

Do you think India’s economic progress and its inclusive growth strategy has reduced poverty and inequality in the country? Critically analyse, especially with reference to the plight of tribal population. (200 Words)

India have reduced poverty level to more than half as data of millennium development goal, undp reports.The credit for this goes to economic growth and programs like mnrega and pmegp etc. But at the same time inequality has increased and this is attributed to jobless economic growth . recent data on socio economic and caste census 2011 states that 30 % of rural households are landless and are engaged in manual or casual labour, illiterate rate in rural areas are more than 36% as against 32% and this clearly defines that still the people are unemployed due to this reason increasing inequality gap between rich and poor.

India's superrich now own 49% of India's personal wealth as against the 37% in 2000.official data states that worst affected are the tribal people in terms of income health infrastructure governance. Development projects seeks to displace many people and worst affected are again tribal society.

Thus need of the hour is to strengthen the inclusive growth staretegies and take these step to reduce inequality in society -

- proper implementation of mudra scheme to foster growth of msme segment in order to generate employment for rural people rather than only encouraging service sector for highly educated.

- strengthen the education program in rural areas to reduce illiteracy rate and skill development to be engaged with schools itself .thus people can get engaged in make in India and digital India program.

- mnrega corruption needs to be checked.

- cooperative federalism needs to be strengthened and empowering gram sabhas .

- strengthen agricultural sector for tribals, at the same time non timber forest products utilisation in consultation with tribal people can generate income opportunities keeping in minds the rights of tribal people.

- bureaucracy shall ensure proper implementation of various schemes and check leakages.

- involve last citizens in decisions that affects their lives who?e acquiring land for public purposes.

Trickle down effect will only be effective if its implementation is done with transparency and there is an actual will to do rather than merely just opening a bank account by rural people doesn't make them equal to rich.