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 Class 9 Economics
Chapter 3: Poverty as a Challenge
DPP

Topic: Introduction

Subjective (Easy) Subjective (Hard)

1. (Poverty Line) What is the common method used 1. (Multidimensional Poverty Index, Poverty Trends)
to measure poverty in India? Analyze why the Multidimensional Poverty Index
(MPI) is considered a more comprehensive mea-
2. (Vulnerable Groups) Name two social groups that
sure of poverty than the traditional poverty line ap-
are most vulnerable to poverty in India.
proach. Discuss how MPI has changed in India from
3. (Trends) What was the approximate percentage of 2005-06 to 2019-21 and what factors contributed to
multidimensional poverty in 201921 according to this change.
NITI Aayog?
2. (Causes of Poverty, Urban Case Study) Based on
Subjective (Medium) Ram Saran's case study, identify at least four struc-

1. (Poverty Indicators) Ram Saran and Lakha Singh tural causes of urban poverty in India. Explain how

are two individuals representing urban and rural these causes interlink and reinforce each other.

poverty respectively. Compare their living condi-

3. (Anti-Poverty Measures, Government Policies)
tions based on the dierent indicators of poverty
Critically evaluate the eectiveness of two anti-
discussed by social scientists.
poverty programs introduced by the Indian govern-
2. (Head Count Ratio) If the Head Count Ratio (HCR) ment in addressing both income and non-income di-
of multidimensionally poor in India declined from mensions of poverty. Provide examples to support
25% in 201516 to 15% in 201921, calculate the your argument.
percentage reduction in HCR during this period.
4. (Human Poverty vs. Income Poverty, Concep-
3. (Inter-State Disparities) Based on the discussion tual Analysis) Compare the concepts of "human
on inter-state disparities, explain why some states poverty" and "income poverty." How does broad-
might have higher poverty rates compared to others ening the denition of poverty to human poverty
despite overall national progress in poverty reduc- alter policy-making strategies? Illustrate with an
tion. example from India.

Topic: Two Typical Cases of Poverty

Subjective (Easy) Subjective (Hard)

1. (Landlessness) What does the case of Lakha Singh

1. (Landlessness, Unemployment, Literacy levels)
tell us about land ownership and its impact on rural
Compare and contrast how landlessness and unem-
poverty?
ployment contribute to the literacy disparities be-
2. (Unemployment) How does Ram Saran's employ-
tween Ram Saran's urban family and Lakha Singh's
ment situation contribute to his family's poverty
rural family. Analyze the intergenerational impact
condition?
of these factors.
3. (Health/Nutrition) From both cases, identify two
health-related impacts of poverty mentioned in the 2. (Health/Nutrition, Helplessness, Size of Families)
text. Evaluate how family size exacerbates health and nu-

Subjective (Medium) trition challenges in both urban and rural poverty

cases, considering the limited healthcare access de-
1. (Landlessness) Compare the economic struggles
scribed.
faced by Ram Saran and Lakha Singh due to their
landlessness. How does this condition aect their
3. (Vulnerability to Exploitation, Social Exclusion)
families' livelihood opportunities?
Analyze how the nature of work (urban daily-wage
2. (Health/Nutrition) Analyze the health challenges
vs. rural farm labor) makes Ram Saran and Lakha
in Lakha Singh's family. How do these reect the
Singh vulnerable to exploitation, and how social ex-
broader link between poverty and healthcare access
clusion manifests dierently in their contexts.
in rural India?

3. (Literacy Levels) Discuss the role of child labor and 4. (Multidimensional Poverty, Shelter, Nutrition)
education in Ram Saran's household. Why might Critically assess how inadequate shelter and nutri-
his daughter's schooling be precarious despite her tion in both cases reect the multidimensionality of
attendance? poverty, using specic examples from the syllabus.

Topic: Urban Case

Subjective (Easy) sucient for his family's needs?

1. (Landlessness) What is the housing condition of 3. (Health/Nutrition) Describe the dietary condition
Ram Saran's family and how does it reect land- of Ram Saran's family and its impact on their
lessness? health.

2. (Unemployment) Why is Ram Saran's income in- Subjective (Medium)

1. (Landlessness) How does landlessness contribute to 2. (Health/Nutrition, Literacy Levels) Evaluate the
Ram Saran's economic vulnerability? Explain with long-term consequences of inadequate health/nutri-
reference to his family situation. tion and low literacy levels on Ram Saran's children,
linking these factors to reduced human capital for-
2. (Unemployment and Size of Families) Analyze how
mation and economic mobility.
unemployment and the large size of Ram Saran's
family exacerbate poverty. 3. (Size of Families, Helplessness) Assess the com-
pounded challenges faced by large families like Ram
3. (Literacy and Helplessness) Discuss how low liter-
Saran's in urban poverty, examining how high de-
acy levels and helplessness perpetuate poverty in
pendency ratios and overcrowded living conditions
Ram Saran's family.
exacerbate nancial strain and limit opportunities.
Subjective (Hard)
4. (Unemployment, Landlessness, Health) Propose
1. (Landlessness, Unemployment) Analyze how land- a multi-dimensional policy framework to address
lessness and unemployment contribute to the inter- structural vulnerabilities in Ram Saran's case, inte-
generational poverty cycle in Ram Saran's family, grating employment guarantees, skill development,
considering the role of limited asset ownership and and healthcare access while justifying each compo-
irregular income sources. nent's role in breaking the poverty cycle.

Topic: Rural case

Subjective (Easy) 2. (Health/Nutrition) How does Lakha Singh's fam-

1. (Landlessness) Why does Lakha Singh's family face ily's health condition reect the broader issue of

nancial instability? malnutrition and lack of medical access in rural ar-

eas? Discuss two major consequences of this situa-
2. (Health/Nutrition) How does poverty aect the
tion.
health of Lakha Singh's family?
3. (Literacy and Helplessness) Despite having a pri-
3. (Literacy Levels) What role does education play in
mary school in the village, Lakha never attended it.
Lakha Singh's life?
Examine how low literacy levels and helplessness
Subjective (Medium)
reinforce each other in his family's context.
1. (Landlessness and Unemployment) What are the
Subjective (Hard)
key economic challenges faced by Lakha Singh's
family due to their landlessness and erratic employ- 1. (Landlessness, Unemployment, Health) Lakha
ment? Analyze how these factors contribute to their Singh's family earns ~~200 per day when employed,
poor living conditions. but work is erratic. Assuming they nd work only
 15 days a month and spend ~~150 per day on basic member family subsists on occasional wheat/-
needs, calculate their monthly savings. How does dal from farm work. Calculate the per-person
this explain their inability to aord healthcare for daily calorie intake if they receive 10 kg wheat/-
tuberculosis? month (340 kcal/100g) and 2 kg dal/month (350
kcal/100g). Compare this with India's average re-
2. (Literacy, Helplessness) Despite a primary school in
quirement of 2400 kcal/day.
the village, Lakha is illiterate but his children at-
4. (Unemployment, Landlessness, Size of families) Hy-
tend school. Analyze how intergenerational poverty
pothesize how land redistribution could transform
and lack of parental education perpetuate helpless-
Lakha's family economy, considering they currently
ness in such rural households.
rely on wages from big farmers. Discuss challenges
3. (Health, Nutrition, Size of families) Lakha's six- in implementing such policies.

Topic: Poverty as seen by social scientists

Subjective (Easy) 3. (Multidimensional Poverty Index) Discuss the three

broad indicators used in calculating the National
1. (Indicators of Poverty) What are the three broad
Multidimensional Poverty Index and explain why
indicators used in the National Multidimensional
these indicators provide a more comprehensive un-
Poverty Index to identify poverty?
derstanding of poverty than income alone.
2. (Social Exclusion) Explain the concept of social ex-
Subjective (Hard)
clusion in the context of poverty.
1. (Social Exclusion, Vulnerability) Explain how social
3. (Vulnerability) Dene vulnerability to poverty and
exclusion and vulnerability reinforce each other in
mention the factors that determine it.
the context of poverty, using a real-world example
Subjective (Medium) from India. How does this cycle aect the opportu-
nities available to marginalized communities?
1. (Social Exclusion) Explain how social exclusion can
act as both a cause and a consequence of poverty, 2. (Multidimensional Poverty Index, Health Indica-
providing an example from the caste system in In- tors) A rural household lacks access to clean drink-
dia. ing water and has a malnourished child. Analyze
how these health-related deprivations contribute to
2. (Vulnerability) Describe how vulnerability to
multidimensional poverty, even if the household's
poverty is measured and why certain groups, such
income is slightly above the poverty line.
as backward castes or physically disabled individu-
als, are more vulnerable to remaining poor. 3. (Vulnerability, Natural Disasters) Compare the vul-
 nerability of landless agricultural laborers and small 4. (Social Exclusion, Standard of Living) Critically
landowners during a drought. How do their dier- evaluate how the absence of electricity and sani-
ing asset levels inuence their ability to recover eco- tation facilities in urban slums exacerbates social
nomically? exclusion, aecting residents' integration into main-
stream society.

Topic: Social Exclusion

Subjective (Easy) Subjective (Hard)

1. (Social Exclusion) What is social exclusion and how 1. (Social Exclusion, Vulnerability) How does social
does it relate to poverty? exclusion amplify the vulnerability of marginalized
communities during natural disasters? Provide a
2. (Vulnerability) Dene vulnerability to poverty and
detailed analysis of how lack of access to resources
explain its determinants.
exacerbates their risks.

3. (Social Exclusion and Vulnerability) Give an exam- 2. (Social Exclusion, Caste System) Critically examine
ple of how social exclusion leads to vulnerability. how India's caste system perpetuates social exclu-

Subjective (Medium) sion, leading to intergenerational poverty. Discuss

specic barriers faced by lower-caste individuals in
1. (Social Exclusion and Poverty) Explain how social accessing education and employment.
exclusion can be both a cause and a consequence
3. (Vulnerability, Asset Deprivation) Explain how as-
of poverty, providing one example to illustrate your
set deprivation (e.g., landlessness) increases vulner-
answer.
ability to poverty among rural women. Illustrate
2. (Vulnerability to Poverty) Describe the factors that with examples how gender intersects with social ex-
determine vulnerability to poverty, using the case clusion to intensify economic instability.
of a widow in a rural area as an example.
4. (Social Exclusion, Urban Poverty) Analyze how ur-
3. (Impact of Social Exclusion) Compare the long- ban slum dwellers experience social exclusion dier-
term eects of social exclusion on an individual ver- ently from rural poor. Highlight the role of spatial
sus a community, using the caste system as a refer- segregation in limiting their access to public services
ence point. and labor markets.

Topic: Vulnerability
Subjective (Easy) factors contribute to their vulnerability to poverty
and explain why they are more likely to remain poor
1. (Vulnerability Denition) What is vulnerability in
compared to a neighboring community with better
the context of poverty?
education and health facilities.
2. (Factors Aecting Vulnerability) Name two fac-
2. (Social support, Economic shocks) Imagine two in-
tors that determine an individual's vulnerability to
dividuals: a daily wage laborer from a marginalized
poverty.
caste and a salaried employee from an upper caste.
3. (Impact of Social Groups) Why are members of Both face sudden unemployment due to an eco-
backward castes more vulnerable to poverty? nomic downturn. Compare how their social identi-
ties and economic backgrounds inuence their abil-
Subjective (Medium)
ity to cope with this shock and avoid falling into
1. (Vulnerability Factors) Explain how lack of ac- poverty.
cess to education and health services increases the
3. (Natural disasters, Asset ownership) A tsunami hits
vulnerability of backward caste communities to
a coastal region, destroying homes and boats of
poverty.
shing communities. While wealthy shermen own
2. (Disaster Impact) Analyze why widows in rural ar- multiple boats and have bank loans, poorer sher-
eas are more vulnerable than urban widows during men rely on shared boats and informal credit. Dis-
a ood. cuss how asset ownership and nancial access cre-
ate unequal vulnerability among these groups post-
3. (Social Exclusion) Describe how social exclusion of
disaster.
physically handicapped individuals contributes to
their vulnerability to poverty. 4. (Health, Job opportunities) A physically disabled
person and a non-disabled person with similar qual-
Subjective (Hard)
ications apply for jobs in a competitive market.
1. (Vulnerability factors, Risk assessment) A commu- The disabled person faces accessibility barriers and
nity in a ood-prone area has limited access to ed- employer bias. Explain how these factors increase
ucation and healthcare but owns some agricultural their vulnerability to poverty compared to their
land. During a ood, their crops are destroyed, and non-disabled counterpart, even without an external
they lack savings or insurance. Analyze how these crisis.

Topic: Poverty Line

Subjective (Easy) pulses, 15 kg vegetables, 20 liters milk, and 2 kg
oil. The prices are $20/kg for cereals, $80/kg for
1. (Basic Concept: Poverty Line Denition) What is
pulses, $30/kg for vegetables, $50/liter for milk, and
the poverty line, and how is it determined in India?
$120/kg for oil. Calculate the total monthly expen-
2. (Comparison: Consumption vs. Multidimensional diture of this household and determine if it falls
Poverty Index) What is the main dierence between below the rural poverty line in India, given that the
consumption-based poverty measurement and the average calorie requirement is 2400 calories per per-
Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)? son per day and the poverty line is set at $1500 per

3. (Concept: Calorie Requirement) Why is the calo- month per household.

rie requirement higher in rural areas compared to

2. (Multidimensional Poverty Index, Deprivation Indi-
urban areas in India?
cators) A village has 100 households. Out of these,
Subjective (Medium) 40 lack access to clean water, 30 lack proper sani-
tation, and 25 have no electricity. Additionally, 15
1. (Consumption Expenditure vs. Multidimensional
households suer from all three deprivations. Cal-
Poverty Index) Explain why the consumption
culate the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)
expenditure-based poverty line might underesti-
for this village, considering these three indicators
mate poverty compared to the Multidimensional
only.
Poverty Index in a country like India.
3. (Head Count Ratio, Poverty Trends) In 2011, a
2. (Calorie Requirement Variation) A rural adult male
country had 50 million people below the poverty
requires 2400 calories/day, while an urban adult fe-
line out of a population of 200 million. By 2021,
male requires 2100 calories/day. If rice provides 100
the number of poor reduced to 30 million while the
calories per 50 grams, calculate the daily rice re-
population grew to 250 million. Calculate the Head
quirement (in kg) for each individual. Assume rice
Count Ratio (HCR) for both years and analyze the
is their only calorie source.
trend.
3. (Poverty Line Revision) Suppose the poverty line
4. (Consumption Expenditure, Urban vs. Rural
in a rural area was set at $20/month in 2010 based
Poverty) An urban household spends $2000/month
on food costs. If food ination averaged 5% annu-
on food, $500 on clothing, and $300 on education.
ally, what would be the revised poverty line in 2023?
A rural household spends $1500 on food, $300 on
Round to the nearest dollar.
clothing, and $100 on education. Compare their
Subjective (Hard)
expenditures against the respective urban (2100
1. (Poverty Line Calculation, Calorie Requirement) calories/day) and rural (2400 calories/day) poverty
A rural household of 5 members has the follow- lines, assuming the poverty line is $1800 for urban
ing monthly consumption: 60 kg cereals, 10 kg and $1700 for rural areas.

Topic: Poverty Estimates

Subjective (Easy) 1. (Head Count Ratio, Consumption-Based Poverty
Estimates)
1. (Head Count Ratio) What was the Head Count Ra-
Using the data from 199394 to 201112, analyze
tio (HCR) for rural areas in India during 201112?
the rate of decline in poverty (both proportion and
2. (Change in Poverty Estimate) By how many per- number of poor) in rural and urban areas sepa-
centage points did the combined Head Count Ratio rately. Compare whether the reduction was more
decline from 199394 to 200405? pronounced in rural or urban regions and hypothe-

3. (Multidimensional Poverty) According to the data, size possible reasons for this trend.

what was the proportion of multidimensional poor

2. (Multidimensional Poverty Estimates, Decline in
in urban areas during 201921?
Poverty)
Subjective (Medium) Given that multidimensional poverty declined from

1. (Head Count Ratio Calculation) Based on Table 25% (201516) to 15% (201921), calculate the an-

3.1, if the rural population was 700 million in nual percentage reduction. Using this rate, esti-

201112 and urban population was 300 million, cal- mate the year by which India might achieve near-

culate the actual number of poor people in rural zero multidimensional poverty (<2%) if the trend

and urban areas respectively using the given Head continues.

Count Ratios.
3. (Consumption-Based vs. Multidimensional
2. (Multidimensional Poverty Decline) If the propor- Poverty, Deprivation Indicators)
tion of multidimensional poor declined from 25% Compare the trends in consumption-based and mul-
to 15% during 20152021 and 13.5 crore people es- tidimensional poverty estimates for 201112 and
caped poverty, estimate the total population under 201516. Explain why the latter might show higher
consideration. rural deprivation despite similar HCR values, refer-
encing specic indicators.
3. (Global Poverty Comparison) Compare India's
progress in reducing extreme poverty ($2.15 per
4. (Head Count Ratio, Real-World Application)
day) with Bangladesh and China using Table 3.2.
A state's rural HCR dropped from 40% to 30% in
Calculate the percentage point reduction for each
5 years, while its urban HCR fell from 20% to 10%
country from their respective base years till the lat-
in the same period. Calculate the relative improve-
est available data.
ment rates and discuss whether the disparity aligns
Subjective (Hard) with national trends observed in Table 3.1.

Topic: Inter-State Disparities

Subjective (Easy) Subjective (Hard)

1. (Concept: Head Count Ratio) Name the states in

1. (Inter-State Disparities, Poverty Reduction Strate-
India that had an HCR of less than 10% during
gies)
201921.
Analyze why states like Kerala and West Bengal
2. (Concept: State-specic poverty reduction mea- have shown dierent patterns in poverty reduction
sures) What steps did Kerala take to reduce compared to states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh
poverty? despite similar initial poverty levels. What role do

3. (Concept: Public Distribution System) Which two institutional factors play in these disparities?

states improved their poverty conditions through

2. (Head Count Ratio, Comparative Analysis)
public distribution of food grains?
The Head Count Ratio (HCR) of Maharashtra is be-
Subjective (Medium)
low 10%, while Bihar's HCR remains signicantly
1. (Head Count Ratio and Poverty Reduction) If the higher. Explain how diering economic structures
Head Count Ratio (HCR) of a state decreased from and industrialization levels contribute to this dis-
15% in 2015 to 10% in 2021, calculate the percent- parity.
age reduction in poverty for this state over these six
years. 3. (Public Distribution System, Poverty Alleviation)
Critically evaluate the eectiveness of the Public
2. (Inter-State Disparities and Strategies) Compare
Distribution System (PDS) in reducing poverty in
the eectiveness of Kerala's human resource de-
Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. How does its
velopment approach and West Bengal's land re-
implementation dier from other states with higher
form measures in reducing poverty. Which strategy
poverty rates?
would you recommend for states with high agricul-
tural dependence and why?
4. (Social Groups, Vulnerability to Poverty)
3. (Poverty Reduction Trends) Suppose Bihar reduced Why are Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled
its HCR from 35% to 25% between 2015 and 2021, Tribes (STs) disproportionately aected by poverty
while Tamil Nadu reduced it from 12% to 8% in the in states like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan com-
same period. Which state showed a more signicant pared to Punjab and Haryana? Discuss historical
improvement in poverty reduction, and why? and socio-economic factors.

Topic: Vulnerable Groups

Subjective (Easy) Subjective (Hard)

1. (Vulnerability to Poverty) Identify the two social 1. (Vulnerability, Inequality within Families) Explain
groups in India that are most vulnerable to poverty how the intersection of social group vulnerability
and explain why they are considered highly vulner- (e.g., Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) and
able. economic factors (e.g., landless labor households)
exacerbates poverty in India. Provide a specic ex-
2. (Vulnerability Factors) Name three factors that de-
ample showing how such dual disadvantages lead to
termine an individual's or community's vulnerabil-
higher vulnerability.
ity to poverty.

2. (Vulnerability Measurement, Natural Disasters)

3. (Household Vulnerability) Why are rural agricul-
Analyze how vulnerability to poverty is com-
tural labor households more vulnerable to poverty
pounded for urban casual laborers during natural
compared to other economic groups?
disasters, considering their lack of assets and job
Subjective (Medium) security. Use hypothetical data to illustrate your

1. (Vulnerability to Poverty) Explain why Scheduled analysis.

Tribes and urban casual laborers are more vulner-

3. (Intergenerational Poverty, Social Groups) Discuss
able to poverty compared to other social groups in
why Scheduled Tribe households show slower de-
India.
cline in poverty compared to Scheduled Castes
2. (Inequality within Families) How does gender in- or rural laborers, referencing structural barriers
equality contribute to higher vulnerability among unique to their context.
women and female infants in poor households?
4. (Gender Dynamics, Household Inequality) Criti-
3. (Natural Disasters and Vulnerability) Discuss how cally evaluate how gender inequality within poor
natural disasters disproportionately aect socially families increases the vulnerability of women and
disadvantaged groups like Scheduled Castes and female infants to malnutrition and limited health-
Scheduled Tribes. care access, using socioeconomic drivers.

Topic: Global Poverty Scenario

Subjective (Easy) 2. (Regional Poverty Trends) Which region had the

highest percentage of people living in extreme eco-

1. (Global Poverty Scenario) What is the uniform nomic poverty in 2019 according to the World Bank

standard for the poverty line set by international reports?

organisations like the World Bank?

3. (Poverty Line Dierences) Why do dierent coun- from 4.4% in 2017 to 4.6% in 2021, calculate the
tries use dierent poverty lines instead of a single percentage change in poverty ratios for both regions
global standard? over these periods and analyze the implications of
these trends.
Subjective (Medium)

1. (Global Poverty Trends) Based on the given data, 2. (Poverty Line Standardization, Cross-Country
if the number of poor in South Asia decreased from Comparison) Explain why using $2.15 per day as
233 million in 2017 to 207 million in 2021, calcu- a uniform poverty line might not accurately reect
late the percentage decrease in the number of poor the cost of living dierences between countries like
during this period. India and Nigeria, despite allowing standardized
comparisons.
2. (Regional Poverty Comparison) Compare the
changes in poverty ratios between Sub-Saharan
3. (Multi-Regional Poverty Analysis, South Asia,
Africa and Latin America & Caribbean from 2017
China) Using the data provided, compare the re-
to 2019 based on the given data. Explain the pos-
duction in the number of poor people in South Asia
sible reasons for these trends.
(from 233 million in 2017 to 207 million in 2021)
3. (Uniform Poverty Line) Why do international or- with China± poverty rate drop to 0.1% by 2020.
ganizations like the World Bank use $2.15 per day What systemic factors could explain China± more
as a uniform standard for comparing poverty across rapid progress?
countries? Discuss the signicance of this approach.
4. (Projected Poverty Trends, Sub-Saharan Africa)
Subjective (Hard)
Given that nearly 90% of the global extreme poor
1. (Regional Poverty Trends, Sub-Saharan Africa, will live in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, analyze two
Latin America) If the poverty ratio in Sub-Saharan structural challenges unique to this region that hin-
Africa declined from 36.6% in 2017 to 35% in 2019, der poverty reduction, referencing historical trends
while in Latin America and Caribbean it increased from the syllabus.

Topic: Poverty and Sustainable Development Goals

Subjective (Easy) achieved?

1. (SDG Goals) What is the main objective of Sustain- 3. (SDG Implementation) Name one way that de-
able Development Goal 1? veloped countries can help developing countries
achieve the SDGs.
2. (UNSDG Targets) By which year do the United
Nations Sustainable Development Goals aim to be Subjective (Medium)
1. (Poverty Trends and SDGs) Explain how the Na- poverty by at least half by 2030. Discuss the chal-
tional Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) re- lenges India might face in achieving this target while
ects India's progress towards achieving SDG 1: ensuring inclusivity across genders and age groups.
No Poverty, with specic examples from dierent
2. (SDGs, Climate change, Economic policies)
states.
Explain how developed countries supporting de-
2. (Government Role in Poverty Alleviation) Com- veloping nations in climate change mitigation can
pare the eectiveness of two major government poli- indirectly accelerate progress toward SDG 1 (No
ciesMahatma Gandhi National Rural Employ- Poverty). Provide a real-world example where such
ment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and National collaboration has shown measurable results.
Food Security Act (NFSA)in reducing poverty in
3. (Inequality, SDG 10, Poverty traps)
rural India.
A country's GDP grows at 5% annually, yet its
3. (Global and National Poverty Disparities) Analyze poverty rate remains stagnant. Using the concept of
the dierences in poverty trends between India and poverty traps and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities),
Sub-Saharan Africa, considering factors like eco- identify potential systemic barriers causing this dis-
nomic growth, government policies, and interna- parity and suggest policy interventions.
tional aid.
4. (Health, Education, SDG synergies)
Subjective (Hard)
Project the long-term impact of simultaneously im-
1. (SDG targets, Multi-dimensional poverty) proving primary healthcare (SDG 3) and girls' ed-
Critically analyze how the reduction in multi- ucation (SDG 4) on poverty reduction (SDG 1) in
dimensional poverty in India aligns with SDG 1's Sub-Saharan Africa. Use empirical data trends to
target of reducing the proportion of people living in justify your reasoning.

Topic: Causes of Poverty

Subjective (Easy) 3. (Income Inequality) How does unequal distribution

of land contribute to high poverty rates in India?
1. (Historical Causes) What was one historical reason
Subjective (Medium)
for widespread poverty in India under British colo-
nial rule? 1. (Economic Development under British Rule) Ex-
plain how the economic policies of the British colo-
2. (Urban Poverty) Why did poverty become a feature nial administration contributed to poverty in India
of urban areas despite the Green Revolution creat- by aecting traditional industries and job opportu-
ing agricultural jobs? nities.
2. (Impact of Green Revolution and Urban Poverty) 2. (Urban-rural poverty dynamics, Green Revolution)
Discuss how the Green Revolution created job op- Explain how the uneven implementation of the
portunities in agriculture but failed to address ur- Green Revolution contributed to both rural and ur-
ban poverty eectively. What were the conse- ban poverty patterns in India, discussing migration
quences for migrants moving to cities? and informal sector employment.

3. (Income Inequality and Land Reforms) Analyze

3. (Land reforms, Income inequality) Evaluate why
why income inequalities persist in India despite land
land reform policies failed to signicantly reduce ru-
reform policies. How does unequal asset distribu-
ral poverty in most Indian states, and how this fail-
tion contribute to poverty?
ure maintained high income inequality in the agri-
Subjective (Hard)
cultural sector.
1. (Colonial economic policies, Post-independence
growth) Analyze the long-term impact of British 4. (Socio-cultural expenditures, Indebtedness) De-
colonial economic policies on India's post- scribe how social and religious expenditures con-
independence economic growth and poverty levels, tribute to cyclical poverty among India's rural poor,
considering factors like industrialization and job particularly examining the debt trap mechanism af-
creation. fecting small farmers.

Topic: Anti-Poverty Measures

Subjective (Easy) 1. (Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction) Ana-

1. (Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction) What lyze how economic growth in India since the 1980s

are the two main factors on which the current anti- has contributed to poverty reduction, focusing on

poverty strategy of the Indian government is based? the relationship between growth rates and poverty
levels.
2. (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Guarantee Act, 2005) How many days of wage em- 2. (Targeted Anti-Poverty Programs) Explain the role
ployment does the Mahatma Gandhi National Ru- of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
ral Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) aim Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in ensuring livelihood
to provide to every rural household? security for rural households and its impact on sus-
tainable development.
3. (Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana) What is the main
objective of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana 3. (Women Empowerment and Health) Discuss how
(PMUY)? Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) con-
Subjective (Medium) tributes to women empowerment and environmental
 sustainability in rural India. systemic barriers that may limit its impact.

Subjective (Hard) 3. (Environmental Sustainability, PM Ujjwala Yo-

1. (Economic Growth, Targeted Anti-Poverty Pro- jana) Explain how PM Ujjwala Yojana addresses

grammes) Critically analyze the eectiveness of In- both health and environmental objectives while dis-

dia's anti-poverty strategy that combines economic cussing its limitations in reaching the poorest house-

growth with targeted programmes like MGNREGA holds.

and PM Poshan. Highlight the challenges faced in

4. (Multi-Scheme Synergy, Rural Development) Pro-
ensuring equitable benets from these measures.
pose an integrated framework combining MGN-
2. (MGNREGA, Gender Empowerment) Evaluate REGA, PM Poshan, and PM Surakshit Matritva
how MGNREGA's provision of reserving one-third Abhiyan to holistically address poverty, malnutri-
of jobs for women contributes to gender equality tion, and maternal health in a single village. Iden-
and economic empowerment in rural India. Discuss tify potential conicts in resource allocation.

Topic: The Challenges Ahead

Subjective (Easy) 2. (Multidimensional Poverty Index) How does the

National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)
1. (Poverty Reduction and Government Schemes)
provide a more comprehensive understanding of
Name two government schemes mentioned in the
poverty than income-based metrics? Explain with
syllabus that aim to reduce poverty and improve
examples.
living conditions in India.

2. (Multidimensional Poverty Index) What does the 3. (Government Schemes and Women Empowerment)
National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) Analyze how Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
measure beyond just income-based poverty? (PMUY) contributes to both women empowerment
and environmental sustainability.
3. (Impact of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana) How
does the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) Subjective (Hard)
contribute to environmental sustainability?
1. (Multidimensional Poverty, Government Schemes)
Subjective (Medium)
Analyze how the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yo-
1. (Poverty Reduction in India) Despite economic jana (PMUY) and Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Ma-
growth, why does poverty remain a signicant chal- tritva Abhiyan collectively address multidimen-
lenge in rural areas compared to urban regions? sional poverty in India, considering economic, so-
Discuss key factors contributing to this disparity. cial, and environmental dimensions.
2. (Poverty Measurement, Socio-Economic Dispari- ering challenges like initial hesitancy to adopt LPG
ties) Critically evaluate why income-based deni- and long-term aordability of rells.
tions of poverty fail to capture the true extent
of deprivation in India, particularly for vulnerable
4. (Policy Synergy, Sustainable Development) How do
groups like Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and
integrated policies like PMUY and Surakshit Ma-
women-led households.
tritva Abhiyan contribute to sustainable develop-
3. (Government Interventions, Behavioural Change) ment goals (SDGs)? Identify specic SDGs ad-
Discuss the role of behavioural change and commu- dressed and potential overlaps between the two
nity engagement in the success of PMUY, consid- schemes.
 Class 9 Economics
Chapter 3: Poverty as a Challenge
DPP-SOLUTION

Topic: Introduction

Subjective (Easy)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

The common method used to measure poverty in India is based on income or consumption levels. If a person's
income or consumption falls below a minimum level needed for basic needs, they are considered poor. This
minimum level is called the poverty line.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

The two social groups most vulnerable to poverty in India are Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes
(ST) households. These groups face higher poverty rates due to historical discrimination and limited access to
resources.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

According to NITI Aayog, the percentage of multidimensional poverty in India was approximately 15% in
201921. This shows a decline from earlier years like 200506 (55%) and 201516 (25%).

Subjective (Medium)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

Ram Saran, an urban poor, lacks basic amenities like electricity, water supply, and a toilet. His income is
irregular (around Rs.3,500 per month), and his family lives in a one-room rented house. Santa Devi, his wife,
earns Rs.1,000 as a part-time maid. They struggle to meet daily needs. On the other hand, Lakha Singh, a
rural poor, has no land and works odd jobs for farmers. His income is erratic, sometimes paid in grains. His
wife earns Rs.1,000 as a cleaner but remains unpaid for months. Their family cannot always aord two meals
a day and lives in a kuchha hut without a functional toilet. Both cases highlight lack of income, education,
healthcare, sanitation, and job securitykey indicators of poverty.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

The initial HCR in 201516 was 25%, and it reduced to 15% in 201921. The reduction in HCR is calculated
as the dierence between initial and nal HCR divided by the initial HCR, multiplied by 100.
Reduction = 25−15
25 × 100
Reduction = 10
25 × 100
 Reduction = 0.4 × 100
Reduction = 40%.
Thus, the HCR reduced by 40% during this period.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

States with higher poverty rates may lack robust infrastructure, employment opportunities, and access to
education or healthcare. Factors like governance eectiveness, agricultural dependence, industrial growth,
and social welfare schemes vary across states. For example, states with poor agrarian conditions and limited
industrialization may struggle to reduce poverty. Additionally, historical disadvantages, population density,
and regional conicts can hinder development. National averages may improve due to progressive states, while
others lag behind due to these localized challenges.

Subjective (Hard)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) goes beyond income-based assessments and includes various depri-
vations in health, education, and living standards. It provides a holistic view of poverty by considering factors
such as nutrition, child mortality, years of schooling, and access to clean water.
In India, MPI fell from approximately 55% in 200506 to 15% in 201921 due to targeted government policies
like rural employment schemes (MGNREGA), improved healthcare (Ayushman Bharat), and better educational
infrastructure (Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan). These measures reduced deprivation across multiple dimensions.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

Four structural causes of urban poverty highlighted in Ram Saran's case are:
1. **Unstable Employment**: Daily-wage labor oers no job security or steady income.
2. **Overcrowded Living Conditions**: Slums lack basic amenities like sanitation and healthcare.
3. **Education Barriers**: High costs prevent children from attending school, perpetuating illiteracy.
4. **Healthcare Access**: Poor families cannot aord treatment, worsening health and productivity.
These factors create a vicious cyclelow income leads to poor living standards, which further limits opportu-
nities for education and employment.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

Two key programs are:

1. **Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)**: Ensures 100 days of wage
employment annually, boosting income but often fails to address skill development or long-term job creation.
2. **National Food Security Act (NFSA)**: Provides subsidized grains, improving nutrition but doesn't
eliminate deeper issues like food distribution ineciencies.
 While MGNREGA stabilizes incomes, NFSA tackles hunger. However, both require better implementation to
address non-income factors like education and healthcare.

4. Answer:

Solution Description:

**Income poverty** focuses solely on nancial insuciency (e.g., earning below $1.90/day). **Human poverty**
includes deprivations in health, education, and dignity (e.g., lack of access to clean water or schools).
Expanding the denition shifts policies from cash transfers (e.g., PM-KISAN) to integrated approaches like
**Swachh Bharat Mission** (sanitation) and **Beti Bachao Beti Padhao** (girls' education). For instance,
Swachh Bharat reduced disease rates by building toilets, indirectly improving economic productivity.

Topic: Two Typical Cases of Poverty

Subjective (Easy)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

The case shows that Lakha Singh's family doesn't own any land, which forces them to depend on odd jobs from
big farmers. Without land ownership, they have no stable means of livelihood and their income is irregular.
This leads to food insecurity as they can barely manage two meals a day. Landlessness keeps them trapped in
poverty as they lack assets that could provide steady income or food security.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

Ram Saran works as a daily-wage laborer with irregular employment, earning only about $3,500 when he
nds work. The uncertainty of work means his income is unstable and insucient to support his six-member
family. Even with his wife's additional earnings, their total family income remains below what's needed for
basic necessities like proper nutrition, clothing and healthcare, keeping them in poverty.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

1) In Lakha Singh's case: His father died from tuberculosis due to lack of medication and now his mother suers
from same disease without proper treatment. 2) In Ram Saran's case: The family can only aord meager meals
of dal and rice twice daily, indicating nutritional deciency. Both cases show how poverty leads to inadequate
healthcare access and poor nutrition.

Subjective (Medium)
1. Answer:

Solution Description:

Ram Saran is a daily-wage laborer in an urban area (Ranchi), relying on irregular work at a wheat our mill.
His income ($3,500/month) is insucient for his large family, forcing his wife and son to take up additional low-
paying jobs (maid and tea-shop helper). The lack of land ownership means he cannot fall back on agriculture
during unemployment, worsening nancial instability.
Lakha Singh, in rural Meerut, depends on erratic farm labor paid in cash or kind (e.g., wheat/vegetables).
Without land, his family lacks stable income or food security, leading to malnutrition and reliance on women's
unpaid labor (rewood collection). Both cases show how landlessness limits access to steady income, perpetuates
poverty, and forces dependence on exploitative labor.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

Lakha's father died of untreated tuberculosis, and his mother now suers from the same disease. Poverty
restricts their ability to aord medication or nutritious food, compounding health risks. The family's diet
(barely two meals/day) lacks essential nutrients, weakening immunity.
Rural healthcare access is hampered by cost and distance. Despite having a primary school, the village likely
lacks aordable medical facilities. This mirrors national trends where poverty leads to preventable deaths due
to delayed treatment, poor sanitation, and malnutrition, trapping families in a cycle of ill-health and economic
stagnation.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

Ram Saran's elder son works as a tea-shop helper ($700/month), sacricing education to supplement income.
His 10-year-old daughter attends school but cares for siblings, hinting at potential dropout risks if domestic
burdens increase.
Poverty forces children into labor to meet basic needs, undermining long-term literacy gains. While the daugh-
ter benets from mid-day meals (dal-rice incentive), her education is secondary to survival needs. This reects
systemic issues where economic deprivation prioritizes immediate income over schooling, perpetuating inter-
generational poverty.

Subjective (Hard)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

Ram Saran works as an irregular daily-wage laborer in an urban setting ($3,500/month), while Lakha Singh
does odd jobs for farmers in a rural area ($200/day, erratic). Both families face unemployment, but urban
unemployment is more inconsistent, whereas rural unemployment is tied to agricultural cycles. Landlessness
forces Lakha's family into dependency on big farmers, reducing time for education. Ram Saran's daughter
attends school, but his elder son works due to nancial constraints. In contrast, Lakha never attended school,
but his children do, showing slight progress. Urban poverty allows marginal access to education, but rural
 landlessness perpetuates illiteracy due to lack of stable income and time. The intergenerational impact is
severe in both cases: urban children drop out to work, while rural children may continue schooling but with
poor resources.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

Ram Saran's urban family of 7 survives on $5,700/month ($3,500 + $1,500 + $700), while Lakha Singh's rural
family of 6 earns $200/day erratically. Urban meals (dal/rice twice daily) are insucient for 7, leading to
malnutrition. Rural families rely on in-kind payments (wheat/dal), but erratic income means skipped meals.
Healthcare access is worse in rural areas: Lakha's father died of TB due to no medication, and his mother
suers similarly. Urban slums have marginally better healthcare proximity but no aordability. Larger families
dilute per-capita resources, worsening malnutrition and health outcomes. Both cases show helplessnessurban
via overcrowded living, rural via lack of medical infrastructure.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

Ram Saran's urban daily-wage job lacks contracts, making him prone to wage theft or sudden unemployment.
His wife's part-time maid work is informal, with no labor rights. Lakha Singh's rural labor is tied to feudal
structurespayment is often in-kind, and power dynamics favor landowners. Social exclusion in urban areas
stems from slum stigma and lack of documentation, limiting access to welfare. In rural areas, caste/class
hierarchies perpetuate exclusionLakha's landlessness reinforces dependency. Urban exploitation is economic
(low/unpaid wages), while rural exploitation is systemic (tied to agrarian power structures).

4. Answer:

Solution Description:

Ram Saran's urban family lives in a one-room rented house in a crowded basti, lacking ventilation and privacy.
Lakha Singh's rural kuchha hut oers no protection from weather. Both conditions worsen healthovercrowding
spreads disease, imsy rural huts increase exposure. Nutritionally, urban diets lack variety (only dal/rice), while
rural diets depend on erratic in-kind payments (wheat/dal). These inadequacies intersect: poor shelter lowers
immunity, compounding malnutrition eects. Urban poverty limits food quantity, rural poverty limits food
certainty. Both cases show poverty isn't just income-based but involves overlapping deprivations in housing,
health, and food security.

Topic: Urban Case

Subjective (Easy)
1. Answer:

Solution Description:

Ram Saran lives in a one-room rented house in a crowded basti (slum) on the outskirts of the city. The house
is a temporary shack built of bricks and clay tiles, indicating poor living conditions. Since they do not own
any land, they have to rent a small space, which highlights their landlessness. Landlessness means they lack
ownership of property, forcing them to live in inadequate and unstable housing.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

Ram Saran works as a daily-wage laborer in a wheat our mill, but his work is irregular. He earns around .3,500
per month only when he nds employment, which is not frequent. Since his job is not stable, he cannot earn
enough to support his family of six members. The irregular nature of his work results in nancial instability,
making his income insucient for basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

Ram Saran's family manages only two meagre meals of dal and rice per day, which are not enough for all
family members. Poor nutrition aects their health as they do not get sucient proteins, vitamins, or other
essential nutrients. Malnutrition can lead to weakness, diseases, and slow growth in children. The younger
child gets some relief from school meals, but overall, their diet reects extreme poverty and inadequate access
to nutritious food.

Subjective (Medium)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

Landlessness means that Ram Saran and his father do not own any land. Since his father is a landless laborer,
he depends entirely on others for work and wages. This lack of land ownership means they have no assets to
fall back on during times of unemployment or nancial crisis. In Ram Saran's case, even though he works in a
wheat our mill, his income is irregular and insucient ($3, 500 per month). He also has to support his parents
and brother, further straining his nances. Without land, the family cannot grow their own food or generate
additional income from agriculture, worsening their poverty.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

Unemployment and underemployment are major issues for Ram Saran. He earns only when he nds work, which
is not often, leading to an unstable income ($3, 500 per month). His wife earns an additional $1, 500, but it is
still inadequate for their family of six. The large family size increases expensesfood, clothing, and education
for four children. Despite his elder son contributing $700, the total household income ($3, 500+$1, 500+$700 =
$5, 700) is spread thinly across eight people (including his parents and brother), making it dicult to meet
basic needs. High dependency ratio and low income deepen their poverty.
3. Answer:

Solution Description:

Low literacy limits job opportunities for Ram Saran and his wife, conning them to low-paying jobs like daily-
wage labor and part-time domestic work. His daughter attends school, but the nancial burden may force
her to drop out early to help at home or work. Illiteracy reduces access to better employment, government
schemes, and nancial planning, trapping the family in a cycle of poverty. Helplessness arises due to lack of
savings, social security, or alternative income sources, forcing dependence on meager wages and informal loans.
This helplessness prevents upward mobility, keeping them impoverished.

Subjective (Hard)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

Ram Saran's father is a landless laborer, which means he has no assets to pass on to his children. This lack of
inheritance perpetuates economic instability across generations. Since Ram Saran relies on daily-wage labor, his
income ($3,500/month) is irregular and insucient for basic needs like food, clothing, and education. His elder
son working in a tea shop ($700/month) reects child labor due to nancial distress, further limiting the boy's
future employability and trapping the family in poverty. The absence of stable employment or landownership
deprives them of savings or collateral for loans, reinforcing their helplessness.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

Ram Saran's family subsists on two meagre meals/day, lacking nutritional diversity, which stunts physical/cog-
nitive development in children. The 10-year-old daughter's schooling is precarious as she cares for siblings,
risking dropout rates. Low literacy (only one child attends school) limits skill acquisition, relegating them to
low-paying informal jobs. Malnourishment increases susceptibility to diseases, raising healthcare costs and ab-
senteeism, thereby perpetuating poverty. Without intervention, this cycle will constrain their ability to secure
skilled employment, sustaining intergenerational deprivation.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

With six dependents (including elderly parents), Ram Saran's $5,700 combined monthly income ($3,500 +
$1,500 + $700) must cover rent, food, and other essentials, leaving no surplus. Overcrowding in a one-room
shack aects hygiene and mental health. The high dependency ratio forces children into labor (e.g., son in tea
shop) instead of education, reducing future earning potential. Limited resources spread thinly across members
deepen helplessness, as even minor shocks (e.g., illness) can push the family into debt or destitution.

4. Answer:

Solution Description:

1) **Employment Guarantees**: Introduce MNREGA-like urban schemes for stable wages, ensuring $300/day
minimum (e.g., $9,000/month), doubling current earnings.
 2) **Skill Development**: Vocational training for Ram Saran and his wife (e.g., tailoring, welding) to shift
from informal to formal sector jobs with benets.
3) **Healthcare Access**: Subsidized clinics/packed meals via schools to improve child nutrition and reduce
absenteeism.
4) **Land Rights**: Provide homestead plots under PMAY-U to secure housing equity.
*Justication*: Stable income reduces reliance on child labor, skills enhance employability, and healthcare
improves productivity, collectively disrupting poverty traps.

Topic: Rural case

Subjective (Easy)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

Lakha Singh's family faces nancial instability because they are landless. Since they do not own any land,
they rely on odd jobs for big farmers, which provide irregular income. Payment is sometimes in cash ($200 per
day) but often in kind (wheat, dal, vegetables). This inconsistency makes it dicult to sustain a family of six,
leading to barely two meals a day and inability to aord basic necessities like clothes, soap, and oil.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

Lakha Singh's father died due to tuberculosis because the family couldn't aord medication. His mother now
suers from the same disease, worsening their poverty cycle. Poor nutrition is evident as they struggle to
get two meals a day. Lack of proper healthcare and balanced diet leads to deteriorating health and higher
vulnerability to diseases.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

Although Lakha never attended the village primary school due to poverty, he ensures his children go to school.
Education could break the cycle of poverty by providing better job opportunities. However, the lack of his
own education limits his earning potential, keeping him dependent on unstable agricultural labor. The family
prioritizes sending their children to school for a brighter future.

Subjective (Medium)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

The main economic challenges faced by Lakha Singh's family include:

 1. **No steady income**: Since they do odd jobs for big farmers, work is irregular, leading to uncertain
earnings.
2. **Payment in kind**: Often, they receive food items like wheat or vegetables instead of cash, limiting their
ability to aord other necessities.
3. **Dependence on others**: Being landless means they rely entirely on landowners for survival, which keeps
them trapped in poverty.
These challenges worsen their living conditions because:
- Without a stable income, they struggle to aord healthcare (e.g., TB treatment for Lakha's mother).
- Payment in kind restricts their purchasing power for essentials like soap, oil, and clothes.
- Lack of assets (land) leaves them vulnerable to exploitation and reduces opportunities for upward mobility.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

The health condition of Lakha Singh's family highlights:

1. **High disease burden**: Both parents suered from tuberculosis, exacerbated by poor nutrition and
inability to aord medication.
2. **Lack of healthcare access**: The village likely lacks aordable treatment options, forcing families to
neglect illnesses until they become fatal.
Consequences include:
- **Reduced productivity**: Illnesses weaken earning capacity, deepening poverty.
- **Intergenerational impact**: Children growing up malnourished face developmental delays, perpetuating
the cycle of deprivation.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

Low literacy and helplessness are interconnected in Lakha's life because:

1. **Limited awareness**: Illiteracy prevents understanding rights (e.g., fair wages, government schemes),
making them accept exploitative conditions.
2. **Dependency cycle**: Without education, Lakha cannot secure skilled jobs, forcing him into unstable
labor.
This reinforces helplessness as:
- Uneducated individuals lack tools to challenge systemic inequalities.
- Children attending school now may break this cycle, but progress is slow without immediate support.

Subjective (Hard)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

Monthly income = Work days × Daily wage = 15 × 200 = ~~3000.

Monthly expenses = Days in month × Daily expense = 30 × 150 = ~~4500.
Savings = Income Expenses = 3000 − 4500 = ~~1500 (decit).
 The family has no savings due to irregular work and high expenses, making healthcare unaordable. Tubercu-
losis treatment costs (~~5001000/month) exceed their decit.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

Lakha's illiteracy limits awareness of government schemes or alternative livelihoods. His children's education
may break the cycle, but current poverty forces them to prioritize survival over long-term gains. Lack of
education reduces access to information, perpetuating dependence on exploitative labor and helplessness.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

Wheat calories = 10 × 1000 × 340

100 = 34,000 kcal/month.
Dal calories = 2 × 1000 × 350
100 = 7,000 kcal/month.
Total = 34, 000 + 7, 000 = 41,000 kcal/month.
Per person = 41,000
6×30 228 kcal/day.
This is <10% of the required 2400 kcal, leading to malnutrition and vulnerability to diseases like TB.

4. Answer:

Solution Description:

Owning land would provide steady food (via farming) and surplus to sell. Challenges:
1. Political resistance from landlords.
2. Lack of capital for seeds/tools.
3. Small land plots may be insucient for large families.
4. Need for training in sustainable farming. Without addressing these, redistribution alone may not alleviate
poverty.

Topic: Poverty as seen by social scientists

Subjective (Easy)

1. Answer: Standard of living indicators: These include cooking fuel, sanitation, drinking water, housing, elec-
tricity, assets, and bank account ownership.

Solution Description:

The National Multidimensional Poverty Index uses three broad indicators to identify poverty:
 ˆ Answer:

Solution Description:

Social exclusion refers to a situation where poor people are forced to live in poor surroundings with other poor
people, away from the benets and opportunities that better-o people enjoy. This exclusion can be both a
cause and a consequence of poverty. For example, in India, the caste system often leads to social exclusion,
denying certain groups equal opportunities. Social exclusion can sometimes cause more harm than just having
a low income because it limits access to essential facilities and opportunities.

ˆ Answer: Ability to handle risks during natural disasters (like oods or earthquakes) or economic downturns
(like job scarcity).

Vulnerability describes how some people are more likely to suer than others during tough times.
Solution Description:

Vulnerability to poverty is the higher likelihood of certain individuals or groups (like backward castes, widows, or
physically handicapped persons) becoming or remaining poor. It is determined by several factors:

Subjective (Medium)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

Social exclusion can act as both a cause and consequence of poverty. As a cause, it restricts access to resources,
opportunities, and social benets for marginalized groups, pushing them into poverty. For instance, in India's
caste system, lower castes are often denied equal education, employment, or healthcare, perpetuating their
economic deprivation. As a consequence, once individuals or groups fall into poverty due to other factors, they
may face further exclusion from mainstream society, reinforcing their impoverished state. This dual role creates
a vicious cycle where exclusion and poverty reinforce each other.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

Vulnerability to poverty is measured by assessing the likelihood of individuals or groups falling into or staying
in poverty due to limited assets, education, health, and job opportunities. Certain groups, like backward castes
or disabled individuals, face higher vulnerability because they often lack access to essential resources. For
example, restricted job opportunities for backward castes or additional healthcare costs for disabled individuals
reduce their ability to cope with economic shocks, such as natural disasters or job losses. Their pre-existing
disadvantages amplify their risk of prolonged poverty compared to others.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

The National Multidimensional Poverty Index uses three broad indicators: health (e.g., nutrition, mortality),
education (e.g., schooling years, attendance), and standard of living (e.g., sanitation, housing). These indicators
 oer a holistic view of poverty by capturing deprivations beyond income, such as lack of education or poor
healthcare, which income metrics might overlook. For instance, a family with modest income but no access to
clean water or education still experiences poverty. By integrating these dimensions, the index better reects
the true extent of deprivation faced by individuals or households.

Subjective (Hard)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

Social exclusion and vulnerability are interconnected concepts that amplify poverty. For instance, in India,
Scheduled Castes (SCs) often face social exclusion due to caste discrimination, limiting their access to education,
jobs, and healthcare. This exclusion makes them vulnerable to economic shocks, such as job loss or natural
disasters, as they lack savings or assets to cope. Conversely, vulnerabilitysuch as living in ood-prone areas
with poor infrastructurefurther isolates these communities, reinforcing social exclusion. This cycle restricts
upward mobility, keeping marginalized groups trapped in poverty.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) considers health, education, and living standards. Here, contam-
inated water leads to diseases, increasing medical expenses and reducing productivity. Malnutrition impairs
the child's cognitive development, limiting future earning potential. Even with marginal income, these health
deprivations perpetuate poverty by draining resources and hindering human capital formation, illustrating why
income alone is an inadequate measure of poverty.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

Landless laborers rely solely on daily wages, which vanish during droughts, leaving no savings or assets to fall
back on. Small landowners might sell livestock or mortgageland to survive, albeit at long-term cost. Asset
inequality thus determines recovery: landowners can access credit or alternative livelihoods, while laborers face
debt traps or migration, deepening their poverty.

4. Answer:

Solution Description:

Lack of electricity limits children's study time, reducing educational outcomes, while poor sanitation spreads
diseases, lowering productivity. These deprivations stigmatize slum dwellers, excluding them from formal
employment and social networks. Without basic amenities, upward mobility becomes nearly impossible, per-
petuating their marginalization and entrenching intergenerational poverty.

Topic: Social Exclusion

Subjective (Easy)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

Social exclusion refers to the process where individuals or groups are denied access to facilities, benets, and
opportunities that others enjoy. It can occur due to factors like caste, gender, or disability. Social exclusion is
both a cause and consequence of poverty because when people are excluded from opportunities (like education
or jobs), they remain poor, and their poverty further isolates them from mainstream society. For example, in
India, certain castes have historically been excluded from equal opportunities, reinforcing their poverty.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

Vulnerability to poverty measures the likelihood of certain individuals or communities becoming or remaining
poor. Determinants include lack of assets, education, health issues, and limited job opportunities. Vulnerable
groups, such as backward castes or physically handicapped persons, face higher risks during crises like natural
disasters. Their ability to cope with these risks depends on social and economic support systems. For instance,
widows or disabled individuals may struggle more during job shortages because they have fewer alternatives.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

A typical example is the caste system in India, where lower-caste individuals are often excluded from quality
education and employment. This exclusion limits their earning opportunities, making them vulnerable to
poverty. During natural disasters or economic downturns, they lack savings or alternative livelihoods, worsening
their condition. Thus, social exclusion directly increases their vulnerability to poverty.

Subjective (Medium)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

Social exclusion can be a cause of poverty because when individuals or groups are denied access to opportunities,
resources, and facilities enjoyed by others, their ability to earn a livelihood is restricted. For instance, caste-
based discrimination in India excludes certain communities from education and employment opportunities,
perpetuating their poverty. On the other hand, poverty can lead to social exclusion as poor individuals often
live in segregated areas with limited access to better amenities, further isolating them from mainstream society.
An example is slum dwellers who face stigma and lack access to quality healthcare, reinforcing their marginalized
status.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

Vulnerability to poverty is determined by factors such as lack of assets, limited education, poor health, and
 restricted job opportunities. A widow in a rural area may have no property rights, minimal education, and few
employment options, making her highly vulnerable to poverty. Additionally, social norms may prevent her from
accessing community resources, and she may lack savings or support systems to cope with crises like illness or
natural disasters. This combination of economic and social disadvantages increases her likelihood of remaining
in or falling into poverty.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

For an individual, social exclusion due to caste can limit access to education, employment, and social mobility,
trapping them in a cycle of poverty. Over time, this leads to diminished self-esteem and mental health issues.
For a community, caste-based exclusion results in systemic disadvantages, such as unequal access to public
services and political representation, perpetuating intergenerational poverty. While an individual may struggle
to break free from these barriers, entire communities face collective disempowerment, making it harder to
challenge discriminatory structures.

Subjective (Hard)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

Social exclusion limits marginalized communities' access to essential resources like education, healthcare, and
nancial assets. During natural disasters, this lack of access means they have fewer coping mechanismsfor
example, no savings to rebuild homes or no insurance coverage. Their exclusion from information networks also
delays disaster preparedness and response. Additionally, systemic discrimination may result in these groups
receiving less aid or being prioritized last in relief eorts. Thus, social exclusion deepens their vulnerability by
reducing their ability to mitigate, adapt, and recover from disasters compared to better-o groups.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

The caste system enforces hierarchical social stratication, restricting lower-caste individuals to menial jobs with
low wages. Discrimination in educationsuch as segregated schools or teacher biaslimits skill development,
trapping them in low-paying occupations. Lack of social capital (networks) further hampers job opportunities.
This cycle reinforces poverty across generations, as children inherit limited access to resources. Policies like
reservations aim to counter this but face implementation gaps, sustaining exclusionary practices in informal
sectors and rural areas.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

Rural women often lack land titles due to patriarchal norms, depriving them of collateral for loans or income
from agriculture. Without assets, they rely on precarious informal work (e.g., domestic labor), which oers
no job security or benets. Social exclusion compounds thiswidows or lower-caste women face additional
discrimination, reducing access to government schemes. For instance, during crop failures, asset-less women
 cannot pivot to alternative livelihoods, deepening poverty. Gendered exclusion thus heightens their vulnerability
to economic shocks.

4. Answer:

Solution Description:

Urban slums are spatially isolated from city centers, often lacking legal recognition, which excludes residents
from public services (water, sanitation) and formal employment. Unlike rural poverty, where exclusion stems
from caste/occupation, urban exclusion is tied to location-based stigma. Slum dwellers face higher living costs
(e.g., inated prices for water tankers) and housing (evictions). Proximity to jobs doesn't guarantee access
due to in hiring. This spatial exclusion traps them in informal sectors with no upward mobility, perpetuating
urban poverty cycles.

Topic: Vulnerability

Subjective (Easy)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

Vulnerability to poverty refers to the higher likelihood of certain individuals or communities becoming or
remaining poor due to limited options in terms of assets, education, health, and job opportunities. It also
includes their ability to handle risks during natural disasters or economic downturns.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

Two key factors determining vulnerability to poverty are:

1. Availability of assets and resources such as land, savings, or tools.
2. Access to education and healthcare, which aects one's ability to secure stable employment.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

Members of backward castes are more vulnerable to poverty due to historical discrimination, limited access
to education and job opportunities, and social exclusion. These factors restrict their ability to improve their
economic condition, making them more prone to remaining poor.

Subjective (Medium)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:
 Lack of access to education limits job opportunities for backward caste communities, as they cannot acquire
skills needed for better-paying jobs. Without proper health services, they face higher medical expenses and
reduced productivity due to illness. These factors decrease their income and savings, making them more
vulnerable to economic shocks like job loss or natural disasters. Over time, this cycle reinforces poverty, as
they lack resources to improve their situation.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

Rural widows often lack assets like land or livestock, which can be lost in a ood. They may also have limited
access to emergency relief due to poor infrastructure. Urban widows, however, might have better access to
social networks, government aid, and alternative housing options. Additionally, rural areas may have fewer job
opportunities post-disaster, making recovery harder for widows who rely on informal work.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

Social exclusion limits job opportunities for physically handicapped individuals, as employers may discriminate
against them. They often face barriers in accessing public transport, education, and healthcare, reducing
their earning potential. With lower income, they struggle to aord assistive devices or medical care, further
perpetuating poverty. Their inability to participate fully in society leaves them at greater risk during crises
like economic downturns.

Subjective (Hard)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

The given community faces multiple vulnerabilities:

1. **Limited Education**: Lack of education restricts job opportunities outside agriculture, reducing alterna-
tive income sources during crises.
2. **Poor Healthcare**: Poor health reduces productivity, making it harder to recover from shocks like oods.
3. **Dependence on Agriculture**: Floods destroy crops, their primary income source, leading to immediate
nancial loss.
4. **No Savings/Insurance**: Without nancial safeguards, they cannot recover quickly from economic shocks.
In contrast, the neighboring community with better education and healthcare can switch jobs, maintain pro-
ductivity, and possibly have savings/insurance, reducing their vulnerability.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

The two individuals dier in coping mechanisms due to social and economic disparities:
1. **Marginalized Caste Laborer**: Likely lacks savings, social networks for alternate jobs, and may face
discrimination, increasing reliance on unstable daily wages. Higher risk of falling into poverty.
2. **Upper-Caste Employee**: Likely has savings, broader professional networks for re-employment, and
 societal privilege, providing more resilience against the shock.
Social identity thus exacerbates economic vulnerability for the laborer while oering buers for the employee.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

Vulnerability varies due to asset and nancial disparities:

1. **Wealthy Fishermen**: Multiple boats mean partial livelihood retention even if some are destroyed. Bank
loans oer structured repayment options, preventing debt traps.
2. **Poorer Fishermen**: Shared boats mean total livelihood loss if destroyed. Informal credit leads to high-
interest debts, pushing them deeper into poverty.
Asset inequality thus determines recovery capacity, with poorer groups facing prolonged vulnerability.

4. Answer:

Solution Description:

Structural biases amplify vulnerability for the disabled person:

1. **Accessibility Barriers**: Few workplaces accommodate disabilities, limiting job options.
2. **Employer Bias**: Stereotypes about productivity reduce hiring chances, forcing them into lower-paying
or informal jobs.
3. **Income Stability**: Limited opportunities lead to inconsistent income, hindering savings and increasing
poverty risks.
Unlike the non-disabled person, these systemic issues perpetuate economic insecurity independently of external
shocks.

Topic: Poverty Line

Subjective (Easy)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

The poverty line is an imaginary line that denes the minimum income or consumption level required to fulll
basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. In India, the poverty line is determined by calculating the
monetary expenditure needed to buy essential items like food grains to meet the calorie requirement. The
accepted average calorie requirement is 2400 calories per person per day in rural areas and 2100 calories per
person per day in urban areas. The cost of purchasing these calories, along with other necessities like clothing,
education, and healthcare, denes the poverty line.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:
 The consumption-based poverty measurement calculates poverty based on income or expenditure required to
meet basic needs like food and clothing. The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), however, measures depri-
vation directly using multiple indicators such as health, education, and standard of living. While consumption-
based poverty focuses only on economic factors, MPI provides a broader view by including social and develop-
mental aspects.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

The calorie requirement is higher in rural areas because people there engage in more physically demanding
work, such as farming and manual labor, which burns more energy. Urban lifestyles often involve less physical
activity, so fewer calories are needed. Hence, the Indian poverty line considers 2400 calories/day in rural areas
versus 2100 calories/day in urban areas.

Subjective (Medium)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

The consumption expenditure-based poverty line focuses only on income or spending levels required to meet
basic food and non-food needs, ignoring other dimensions of deprivation such as education, healthcare, san-
itation, etc. In contrast, the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) considers 12 indicators across health,
education, and living standards, providing a more holistic view. For example, a family may earn enough to
meet calorie needs (consumption-based) but lack access to clean water or education (MPI). Therefore, MPI
captures broader aspects of well-being, explaining why it might reveal higher poverty levels than the traditional
method.

2. Answer: Similarly, rice required = 2100 × 0.5 = 1050 grams = 1.05 kg.

Thus, the rural male needs 1.2 kg/day, and the urban female needs 1.05 kg/day.
Solution Description:

For the rural male:

ˆ Answer: t = 13 years (2010 to 2023).

Calculation:
P2023 = 20 × (1 + 0.05)13
P2023 = 20 × 1.8856 ≈ 37.71
Rounded to $38/month. Hence, the 2023 poverty line would be approximately $38.
Solution Description:

Ination-adjusted value formula: Pt = P0 × (1 + r)t , where:

Subjective (Hard)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

Step 1: Calculate the total cost for each item.

- Cereals: 60 kg × $20/kg = $1200
- Pulses: 10 kg × $80/kg = $800
- Vegetables: 15 kg × $30/kg = $450
- Milk: 20 liters × $50/liter = $1000
- Oil: 2 kg × $120/kg = $240
Step 2: Sum the costs.
Total expenditure = $1200 + $800 + $450 + $1000 + $240 = $3690
Step 3: Compare with poverty line.
The poverty line is $1500 per month, but the household spends $3690, which is above the poverty line.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

Step 1: Find the proportion of households deprived in each indicator.

- Clean water: 40/100 = 0.4
- Sanitation: 30/100 = 0.3
- Electricity: 25/100 = 0.25
Step 2: Calculate the weighted deprivation score for each household.
Each indicator is equally weighted ($1/3$).
Households with all three deprivations have a score of $1$.
Households with any two deprivations have a score of $2/3$.
Households with any one deprivation have a score of $1/3$.
Step 3: Compute MPI.
Assume overlapping deprivations:
(15×1)+((40−15)+(30−15)+(25−15))×(1/3) 15+(25+15+10)×(1/3)
MPI = 100 = 100 = 15+16.67
100 ≈ 0.3167 or 31.67%.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

Step 1: Calculate HCR for 2011.

50 million
HCR = 200 million × 100 = 25%.
Step 2: Calculate HCR for 2021.
30 million
HCR = 250 million × 100 = 12%.
Step 3: Analyze trend.
The proportion of poor decreased from 25% to 12%, indicating signicant poverty reduction despite population
growth.

4. Answer:
 Solution Description:

Step 1: Calculate total expenditure for both households.

- Urban: $2000 + $500 + $300 = $2800
- Rural: $1500 + $300 + $100 = $1900
Step 2: Compare with poverty lines.
- Urban: $2800 > $1800  Above poverty line.
- Rural: $1900 > $1700  Above poverty line.

Topic: Poverty Estimates

Subjective (Easy)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

To nd the HCR for rural areas in 201112, we refer to Table 3.1 in the syllabus. Under the "Consumption-
based" estimates for the year 201112, the rural HCR is given as **26%**. Thus, the answer is **26%**.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

From Table 3.1:

- Combined HCR in 199394 = **45%**
- Combined HCR in 200405 = **37%**
The decline is calculated as:
45% − 37% = 8%.
So, the combined HCR declined by **8 percentage points**.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

Referring to the "Multidimensional (Indicator) based" section in Table 3.1 for 201921:
- The urban HCR for multidimensional poverty is listed as **5.3%**.
Hence, the answer is **5.3%**.

Subjective (Medium)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

To nd the number of poor people in rural and urban areas:

1. For rural areas:
 Head Count Ratio (HCR) = 26%
Rural population = 700 million
Number of poor in rural areas = 700 × 26
100 = 182 million
2. For urban areas:
HCR = 14%
Urban population = 300 million
Number of poor in urban areas = 300 × 14
100 = 42 million
Therefore, the number of poor people in rural areas is 182 million and in urban areas is 42 million in 201112.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

Let the total population be P .

1. Initial poor population = 25% of P = 0.25P
2. Final poor population = 15% of P = 0.15P
3. People who escaped poverty = 0.25P − 0.15P = 0.10P
4. Given that 13.5 crore escaped poverty:
0.10P = 13.5 crore
P = 13.5
0.10 = 135 crore
The estimated total population is 135 crore.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

Using Table 3.2:

1. **India**:
Latest HCR (2021) = 11.9%
Base year not explicitly given; assuming no change calculation needed.
2. **Bangladesh**:
HCR (2022) = 9.6%
Base year not given; cannot compute reduction without earlier data.
3. **China**:
HCR (2020) = 0.1%
Base year not given; cannot compute reduction without earlier data.
Since the base year data is missing, a direct percentage point reduction cannot be calculated. However, India's
HCR (11.9%) is higher than Bangladesh (9.6%) and China (0.1%), indicating slower progress compared to
these countries.

Subjective (Hard)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

To analyze the rate of decline:

 - **Rural Areas**: HCR declined from 50% (199394) to 26% (201112). Number of poor reduced from 329
million to 217 million. Annualized decline rate in HCR = 50−26
18 years = 1.33% per year.
- **Urban Areas**: HCR declined from 32% to 14%, with poor population reducing from 75 million to 53
million. Annualized decline rate = 32−14
18 = 1% per year.
Rural areas saw a sharper decline due to targeted schemes like MGNREGA and agricultural growth.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

- Total reduction = 10% over 6 years Annual reduction = 10

6 1.67% per year.
- To reach 2% from 15%: Required reduction = 13%. Time needed = 13
1.67 7.8 years Achievable by 2029.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

- In 201112, consumption-based HCR was 22%, whereas multidimensional HCR in 201516 was 25%.
- Multidimensional poverty includes non-monetary indicators (e.g., education, health), which lag behind income
improvements. Rural areas face higher deprivation in sanitation and nutrition.

4. Answer:

Solution Description:

- Rural improvement rate = 40−30

40 × 100 = 25% over 5 years 5% annually.
- Urban improvement rate = 20−10
20 × 100 = 50% 10% annually.
- Disparity matches national trends where urban areas often improve faster due to better infrastructure.

Topic: Inter-State Disparities

Subjective (Easy)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

The states in India that had a Head Count Ratio (HCR) of less than 10% in 201921 are Karnataka, Tamil
Nadu, Delhi, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, and Maharashtra. This information is
derived from the given syllabus data.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

Kerala focused primarily on human resource development as a measure to reduce poverty. This approach
included improving education, healthcare, and skill development among its population, which helped in lowering
poverty levels over time.
3. Answer:

Solution Description:

Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are the two states where the public distribution of food grains played a
signicant role in reducing poverty. The ecient distribution system ensured better access to essential food
items, thereby improving living conditions for the poor.

Subjective (Medium)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

To nd the percentage reduction in poverty, we need to compute the decrease in HCR relative to the initial
value. Here's how:
Step 1: Identify the initial and nal values of HCR.
Initial HCR = 15%
Final HCR = 10%
Step 2: Calculate the absolute reduction in HCR.
Reduction = Initial HCR - Final HCR = 15% - 10% = 5%
Step 3: Compute the percentage reduction relative to the initial HCR.
Percentage Reduction = (Reduction / Initial HCR) × 100 = (5 / 15) × 100 ≈ 33.33%
The percentage reduction in poverty is approximately 33.33%.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

Kerala's human resource development (HRD) approach focuses on improving education, healthcare, and skill
development, which increases employability and income levels long-term.
West Bengal's land reforms aim to redistribute land to landless farmers, directly improving agricultural pro-
ductivity and reducing rural poverty.
For states with high agricultural dependence:
- Land reforms are more immediately impactful as they address the primary source of livelihood (agriculture).
- HRD may take longer to show results but ensures sustainable poverty reduction through diversied employ-
ment opportunities.
Recommendation: A combination of both strategiesinitial focus on land reforms for immediate relief, followed
by HRD for long-term sustainabilityis ideal for agriculturally dependent states.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

To compare improvements, we calculate the percentage reduction in HCR for both states.
For Bihar:
Initial HCR = 35%, Final HCR = 25%
Reduction = 35% - 25% = 10%
Percentage Reduction = (10 / 35) × 100 ≈ 28.57%
 For Tamil Nadu:
Initial HCR = 12%, Final HCR = 8%
Reduction = 12% - 8% = 4%
Percentage Reduction = (4 / 12) × 100 ≈ 33.33%
While Bihar achieved a larger absolute reduction (10% vs. 4%), Tamil Nadu had a higher percentage reduction
(33.33% vs. 28.57%). Thus, Tamil Nadu's improvement was more signicant proportionally.

Subjective (Hard)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

Kerala focused on human resource development through education and healthcare, creating a skilled workforce
that could access better opportunities. West Bengal implemented land reforms, redistributing agricultural land
to reduce income inequality. In contrast, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh lacked such focused interventions initially,
leading to slower poverty reduction. Institutional factors like governance eciency, policy implementation, and
social welfare schemes signicantly inuence these outcomes.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

Maharashtra has a diversied economy with strong industrial and service sectors, generating employment and
higher incomes. Bihar relies heavily on agriculture, which is less productive and more vulnerable to shocks.
Industrialization in Maharashtra attracts investments and creates jobs, reducing poverty faster than Bihar's
agrarian economy.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have ecient PDS systems with wider coverage and fewer leakages, ensuring
food security for the poor. States with higher poverty often face corruption and logistical issues in PDS delivery,
weakening its impact. Eective governance and transparency in these southern states enhance PDS ecacy.

4. Answer:

Solution Description:

SCs/STs in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan face limited access to education, land, and employment due to
historical marginalization and rigid caste hierarchies. Punjab and Haryana have better agrarian economies and
higher social mobility, reducing caste-based poverty. Landownership patterns and armative action ecacy
also play roles.

Topic: Vulnerable Groups

Subjective (Easy)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

The two social groups most vulnerable to poverty in India are Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes
(STs). They are highly vulnerable because they face social discrimination, limited access to education, health
services, and job opportunities. Additionally, they often work as landless casual laborers, which increases their
economic instability. Historical disadvantages and lack of assets further worsen their vulnerability.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

Three factors that determine vulnerability to poverty are:

1. Availability of assets like land or savings.
2. Access to education and healthcare.
3. Job opportunities and income stability.
These factors inuence whether a person or group can cope with economic shocks or disasters.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

Rural agricultural labor households are more vulnerable to poverty because they depend on seasonal farm work,
which is irregular and low-paying. They often lack land ownership and alternate sources of income, making
them economically unstable. Additionally, they have limited access to social security and nancial resources to
handle crises like crop failure or natural disasters.

Subjective (Medium)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

Scheduled Tribes (STs) are particularly vulnerable due to historical marginalization, limited access to education,
healthcare, and job opportunities, as well as their geographical isolation in forests and hilly regions. This makes
it dicult for them to integrate into the broader economy. Urban casual laborers face vulnerability because they
lack job security, stable incomes, or social benets. They often work in informal sectors with no xed wages or
employment guarantees, making them highly susceptible to economic shocks like ination or unemployment.
Their lack of assets further reduces their ability to cope with crises.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

In many poor families, cultural biases and unequal resource distribution lead to women and female infants
receiving less food, healthcare, and education compared to male members. Women often bear the burden of
unpaid domestic labor and have limited access to income-generating opportunities, making them economically
dependent. Female infants may face neglect in terms of nutrition and medical care due to patriarchal preferences
 favoring sons. Additionally, widows and elderly women are often excluded from property rights, increasing their
nancial insecurity.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) are more likely to live in disaster-prone areas with poor
infrastructure, such as oodplains or deforested hills. Due to limited nancial resources, they cannot aord
resilient housing or insurance. During disasters, relief eorts often bypass these communities due to discrimi-
nation or logistical challenges. Their lack of political inuence further reduces their access to post-disaster aid.
Since many depend on daily wage labor, disruptions caused by disasters push them deeper into poverty due to
lost income and increased expenses for recovery.

Subjective (Hard)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

The intersection of social group vulnerability and economic disadvantages intensies poverty due to limited
access to resources. For instance, a Scheduled Caste landless agricultural laborer faces discrimination (social
factor) combined with unstable income (economic factor), reducing opportunities for education or alternative
livelihoods. This makes them more vulnerable during crises like droughts, where they lack savings or government
support compared to others.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

Urban casual laborers often lack savings ($100/month income) and live in unsafe settlements. During oods,
they lose daily wages ($5/day) and face inated food prices. With no insurance, recovery takes months, pushing
them deeper into poverty. Hypothetically, 60% of such laborers might fall below the poverty line post-disaster
versus 20% of salaried workers.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

Scheduled Tribes often reside in remote areas with poor infrastructure, limiting access to markets and educa-
tion. Unlike Scheduled Castes, who benet from armative action in urban jobs, Tribes rely on forest-based
livelihoods vulnerable to environmental policies. For example, a 10% decline in forest produce directly impacts
70% of Tribal incomes, slowing poverty reduction.

4. Answer:

Solution Description:

In poor households, cultural norms may prioritize males for food and medical care. A family with $50/month
income might spend $30 on sons' education but only $10 on daughters'. During famines, women eat last,
leading to 40% higher anemia rates. Female infants face 20% higher mortality due to delayed healthcare visits.
 Topic: Global Poverty Scenario

Subjective (Easy)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

The World Bank uses a uniform standard for the poverty line, which is dened as the minimum availability
of the equivalent of $2.15 per person per day. This standard is used to compare poverty levels across dierent
developing countries.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

Sub-Saharan Africa had the highest percentage of people living in extreme economic poverty in 2019 at 35%.
This was higher compared to other regions like South Asia, Latin America, and Caribbean.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

Dierent countries use dierent poverty lines because the cost of living, purchasing power, and economic
conditions vary signicantly across nations. A single global standard may not accurately reect the economic
realities of all countries, hence local adjustments are made to the poverty line.

Subjective (Medium)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

First, nd the dierence in the number of poor between 2017 and 2021:
233 million - 207 million = 26 million.
Now, divide this dierence by the initial number of poor (2017) and multiply by 100 to get the percentage
decrease:
26
233 × 100 = 11.16% approximately.
Therefore, the number of poor in South Asia decreased by approximately 11.16% from 2017 to 2021.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

Sub-Saharan Africa saw a decline in poverty from 36.6% in 2017 to 35% in 2019, a decrease of 1.6%. In contrast,
Latin America and the Caribbean experienced an increase from 4.4% in 2017 to 4.6% in 2021, a rise of 0.2%.
Possible reasons for the decline in Sub-Saharan Africa could include economic reforms and aid programs. The
slight increase in Latin America may be due to economic instability or political factors aecting growth.
3. Answer:

Solution Description:

The World Bank uses $2.15 per day as a uniform standard because it allows for consistent comparison across
countries with dierent currencies. This method accounts for purchasing power parity (PPP), adjusting for
cost-of-living dierences. By using a common base ($), organizations can analyze global poverty trends without
discrepancies caused by varying national currencies, ensuring fair and comparable assessments.

Subjective (Hard)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

To nd the percentage change, use the formula: Percentage Change = New Value−Old Value
Old Value × 100.
For Sub-Saharan Africa:
Old Value (2017) = 36.6%, New Value (2019) = 35%.
Percentage Change = 35−36.6
36.6 × 100 = −1.6
36.6 × 100 ≈ −4.37%.
For Latin America and Caribbean:
Old Value (2017) = 4.4%, New Value (2021) = 4.6%.
Percentage Change = 4.6−4.4
4.4 × 100 = 0.2
4.4 × 100 ≈ 4.55%.
The negative change for Sub-Saharan Africa indicates a decline in poverty, while the positive change for Latin
America suggests an increase. Despite the decline in Sub-Saharan Africa, its poverty ratio remains high
compared to Latin America.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

The $2.15 per day standard is based on Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), which adjusts for price level dierences
across countries. However, local factors such as ination, availability of goods/services, and non-monetary
aspects of poverty (e.g., healthcare access) vary signicantly. For example, $2.15 may aord basic necessities
in India but fall short in Nigeria due to higher local prices or limited infrastructure. Thus, while PPP enables
cross-country comparisons, it may overlook contextual disparities in living standards.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

South Asia± poor decreased by 233 − 207 = 26 million over 4 years. China± near-elimination of extreme poverty
(0.1%) contrasts sharply due to its state-driven economic reforms, massive industrialization, and targeted
poverty alleviation programs (e.g., rural infrastructure investments). Unlike South Asia, where poverty is
dispersed across multiple nations with varying policies, China± centralized governance allowed cohesive, large-
scale interventions, accelerating progress.

4. Answer:

Solution Description:

1) **Political Instability**: Frequent conicts and weak governance disrupt economic planning and resource
 allocation, unlike stable regions like Southeast Asia.
2) **Dependence on Commodities**: Over-reliance on volatile commodity exports (e.g., oil) limits diversica-
tion, whereas China/India focused on manufacturing/services.
Historical data shows Sub-Saharan Africa± poverty declined only marginally (36.6% to 35%), underscoring
these systemic barriers compared to regions with targeted growth strategies.

Topic: Poverty and Sustainable Development Goals

Subjective (Easy)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

The main objective of Sustainable Development Goal 1 is to end poverty in all its forms everywhere by 2030.
This includes reducing the proportion of men, women and children living in poverty by at least half.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to be achieved by the year 2030. All member
countries including both developed and developing nations are working towards these targets.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

One way developed countries can help developing countries achieve the SDGs is by providing nancial and tech-
nical support to implement poverty reduction programs, improve health and education systems, and promote
sustainable development initiatives.

Subjective (Medium)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

The National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) measures poverty using multiple indicators such as health,
education, and living standards. India± MPI data shows a signicant reduction in poverty, especially in states
like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan due to government interventions between 2005-06
and 2019-21. For instance, Kerala and Tamil Nadu have achieved less than 10% Headcount Ratio (HCR),
indicating strong progress. However, other states still lag behind. This aligns with SDG 1± target of reducing
poverty by half by 2030, showcasing both achievements and areas needing further improvement.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:
 MGNREGA guarantees 100 days of wage employment per year to rural households, directly addressing income
poverty. NFSA provides subsidized food grains, tackling hunger and malnutrition. MGNREGA has increased
rural wages and employment, while NFSA has improved food security. Both policies complement each other
but have limitations: MGNREGA± implementation gaps aect its reach, and NFSA± coverage may exclude
some vulnerable groups. Together, they contribute to multidimensional poverty reduction but require better
execution for greater impact.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

India has seen faster poverty reduction due to robust economic growth, targeted policies (e.g., MGNREGA),
and investments in health/education. Sub-Saharan Africa struggles with slower growth, political instability,
and weaker institutions, despite international aid. India± MPI decline reects systemic eorts, whereas many
African nations face persistent multidimensional poverty due to conicts and limited infrastructure. Both
regions benet from global SDG initiatives but need tailored strategies to address their unique challenges.

Subjective (Hard)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

To answer this question, we must rst understand what multi-dimensional poverty entails. It includes lack of
access to education, healthcare, sanitation, and basic amenities, not just income poverty.
India has reduced its multi-dimensional poverty index (MPI) signicantly due to schemes like MNREGA,
PMAY, and increased healthcare access. However, challenges remain:
1) **Data gaps**: Accurate measurement is dicult due to informal economies.
2) **Regional disparities**: Some states lag behind others in poverty reduction.
3) **Gender inequality**: Women often have fewer opportunities than men.
4) **Climate change**: Extreme weather events push vulnerable populations back into poverty.
To ensure inclusivity, India must strengthen social security nets and focus on equitable growth through policies
like universal basic services.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

Climate change exacerbates poverty by destroying livelihoods (e.g., farming, shing). Developed nations can
aid via technology transfer, funding (Green Climate Fund), and policy support.
Example: The **Global Environment Facility (GEF)** funded solar microgrids in rural Africa. This provided:
1) **Energy access**: Reduced reliance on expensive, polluting fuels.
2) **Jobs**: Local employment in maintenance and distribution.
3) **Education**: Children study longer with reliable lighting.
Such projects directly combat energy poverty (SDG 7) while boosting incomes (SDG 1). Calculations show a
$1 investment in renewable energy creates 5x more jobs than fossil fuels.
3. Answer:

Solution Description:

Poverty traps occur when individuals cannot escape poverty due to structural barriers like:
1) **Unequal asset distribution**: Wealth concentrates in elite groups.
2) **Low social mobility**: Poor lack access to quality education/jobs.
3) **Regressive taxation**: Indirect taxes burden the poor disproportionately.
Solutions:
- **Progressive taxation**: Higher taxes on wealth/income above $100k/year could fund welfare programs.
- **Land reforms**: Redistributing agricultural land to tenant farmers (e.g., Kerala's success).
- **Universal basic income**: Pilot projects in Brazil ($40/month) lifted 20 million out of extreme poverty.
Math: If the richest 10% own 70% of wealth (Gini coecient = 0.6), redistributing 10% of their assets could
reduce poverty by 15%.

4. Answer:

Solution Description:

Studies show:
1) **Health**: A 10% increase in life expectancy boosts GDP/capita by 0.4% annually (WHO).
2) **Education**: Each year of schooling raises wages by 9% (World Bank).
Case: Rwanda invested 25% of its budget in health/education post-1994 genocide. Results:
- Maternal mortality fell by 60%.
- Girls' secondary enrollment tripled.
- Poverty dropped from 60% to 38% in 15 years.
Calculation: If a region trains 100 nurses/year ($5k salary each), their care can prevent 500 malaria deaths/year
($50k saved per death averted). Net economic gain: $25M over a decade.

Topic: Causes of Poverty

Subjective (Easy)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

Under British colonial rule, India experienced a low level of economic development due to policies that ruined
traditional handicrafts and discouraged industries like textiles. This led to fewer job opportunities and slow
income growth, contributing to widespread poverty.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:
 The Green Revolution created limited job opportunities in agriculture, restricted to certain regions. Many
people moved to cities but could only nd low-paying informal jobs (e.g., rickshaw pullers, vendors). With
unstable incomes, they lived in slums, spreading poverty to urban areas.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

Unequal land distribution concentrates resources among a few, leaving many rural poor without assets. Despite
land reform policies aimed at redistribution, ineective implementation has perpetuated income inequality and
hindered poverty reduction.

Subjective (Medium)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

The British colonial administration implemented policies that harmed India's traditional handicrafts and dis-
couraged industrial growth, particularly in textiles. These policies included heavy taxation on Indian goods
and promotion of British-made products, which led to the decline of local industries. As a result, many artisans
lost their livelihoods, and there were fewer job opportunities. The slow economic growth continued until the
1980s, keeping incomes low while the population grew rapidly. This combination of limited employment and
high population growth exacerbated poverty levels in India.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

The Green Revolution introduced modern agricultural techniques, increasing productivity and creating jobs in
certain regions. However, its impact was uneven, leaving many areas without benets. Industries, both public
and private, could not absorb all job seekers, leading many rural migrants to take up low-income informal jobs
in cities (e.g., rickshaw pulling, construction). With irregular earnings, they struggled to aord proper housing,
forcing them into slums. This shifted poverty from being primarily rural to an urban issue as well.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

Income inequalities remain high due to ineective implementation of land reforms, which aimed to redistribute
assets like land to reduce rural poverty. Many state governments failed to enforce these policies properly,
allowing wealthy landowners to retain control. Poor farmers, lacking resources, borrow money at high interest
rates for agricultural inputs and fall into debt traps. This cycle of indebtedness worsens poverty, showing how
unequal asset distribution perpetuates economic disparities.

Subjective (Hard)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

The British colonial administration focused on extracting raw materials from India while discouraging industrial
 development, leading to a weak industrial base at independence. Traditional handicrafts were destroyed,
reducing non-agricultural employment. After independence, the low initial industrial capacity combined with
high population growth resulted in insucient formal sector jobs. The slow economic growth until the 1980s
meant limited income generation opportunities, perpetuating poverty. While some industrial development
occurred, it couldn't absorb the growing workforce, forcing many into informal sector jobs with unstable
incomes that kept them in poverty.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

The Green Revolution primarily beneted irrigated regions (Punjab, Haryana, Western UP), creating agri-
cultural jobs there but leaving rainfed areas behind. This regional disparity forced many small farmers from
less productive areas to migrate to cities seeking work. In urban areas, the formal industrial sector couldn't
absorb all migrants, pushing them into informal jobs (rickshaw pulling, vending) with irregular incomes. These
workers couldn't aord proper housing, leading to slum proliferation and transferring rural poverty patterns to
urban areas. Meanwhile, indebted small farmers who stayed in villages faced persistent poverty due to inability
to adopt Green Revolution technologies without credit access.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

Land reforms aimed to redistribute land from large landowners to landless laborers, but poor implementation by
state governments allowed landowners to circumvent laws through loopholes like benami transfers. As a result,
land ownership remained concentrated, preserving wealth inequality. Large landowners continued capturing
most agricultural prots while small/marginal farmers lacked sucient land for viability. Without productive
assets, the rural poor remained dependent on low-wage agricultural labor. This concentration of resources
prevented equitable income distribution, keeping poverty rates high despite productivity gains in agriculture.

4. Answer:

Solution Description:

Poor rural families spend heavily on weddings, funerals, and religious ceremonies due to social pressures, often
exceeding annual incomes. Small farmers already need loans for agricultural inputs (seeds, fertilizers). When
they add ceremonial debts, repayment becomes impossible given their low and uncertain farm incomes. They
borrow more to repay old loans, falling into a debt trap where interest payments consume future earnings.
Moneylenders charge exorbitant rates (30-50% annually), making escape impossible. Eventually, some lose
their land to creditors, becoming landless laborers - the poorest group. This cycle keeps generation after
generation in poverty despite temporary income ows.

Topic: Anti-Poverty Measures

Subjective (Easy)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

The current anti-poverty strategy of the Indian government is based on two main factors:
1. Promotion of economic growth.
2. Targeted anti-poverty programmes.
These strategies aim to reduce poverty by ensuring sustainable development and providing direct benets to
the poor through various schemes.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) aims to provide 100 days
of wage employment to every rural household annually. This ensures livelihood security in rural areas and
promotes sustainable development.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

The main objective of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is to provide clean cooking fuel (LPG)
to economically poor households, especially in rural areas. It aims to empower women, reduce health hazards
caused by traditional cooking methods, and promote environmental sustainability by reducing deforestation
and carbon emissions.

Subjective (Medium)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

Economic growth in India since the 1980s has been a key factor in reducing poverty. The growth rate increased
from an average of 3.5% per year in the 1970s to about 6% during the 1980s and 1990s. This higher growth
led to more job opportunities and better incomes, which directly helped reduce poverty. For example, when
the economy grows, businesses expand and hire more workers, increasing household incomes. Additionally,
economic growth provides the government with more resources to invest in anti-poverty programs like education
and healthcare, further reducing poverty. However, despite this growth, agriculturewhich employs many of
the poorhas not grown as fast, limiting poverty reduction in rural areas. Therefore, while economic growth
is essential, targeted programs are also needed to help those left behind.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

MGNREGA, launched in 2005, guarantees 100 days of wage employment annually to rural households. This
scheme helps ensure livelihood security by providing steady income to the poor, especially during agricultural
o-seasons when jobs are scarce. By oering unskilled manual work at revised wage rates, MGNREGA re-
duces nancial instability among rural families. Additionally, the program promotes sustainable development
 by focusing on projects like drought-proong, aorestation, and soil erosion control. These activities not only
provide jobs but also improve environmental conditions, beneting communities in the long term. The reserva-
tion of one-third of jobs for women empowers them economically, further enhancing household welfare. Thus,
MGNREGA addresses both immediate poverty and long-term environmental sustainability.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

PMUY, launched in 2016, aims to empower rural women by providing free LPG connections to Below Poverty
Line (BPL) households. Traditional cooking methods using rewood or coal expose women to health hazards
like respiratory diseases and poor eyesight. By shifting to clean LPG fuel, PMUY improves women's health and
reduces time spent collecting rewood, allowing them to engage in education or income-generating activities.
The scheme also benets the environment by cutting deforestation and carbon emissions from burning solid
fuels. Issuing LPG connections in women's names ensures their direct control over household energy use,
promoting gender equality. Thus, PMUY enhances both women's status and ecological sustainability in rural
areas.

Subjective (Hard)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

The solution involves analyzing India's dual strategy of economic growth and targeted anti-poverty programmes.
**Step 1: Economic Growth Impact**
- Higher GDP growth (6% since the 1980s) has lifted millions out of poverty by creating jobs and increasing
incomes.
- However, growth in agriculture (employing 50% of the workforce) remains slow, limiting rural poverty reduc-
tion.
**Step 2: Role of MGNREGA**
- Provides livelihood security via 100-day employment, but wage disparities and delayed payments hinder ef-
fectiveness.
- Environmental benets (aorestation, soil conservation) are secondary outcomes.
**Step 3: PM Poshan's Contribution**
- Improves child nutrition and school attendance but faces implementation gaps like leakages and irregular
meals.
**Conclusion**: While growth broadens opportunities, targeted schemes address immediate needs but require
better execution to bridge inequalities.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

The solution assesses MGNREGA's gender reservation policy.

**Step 1: Direct Benets**
- Increased female labor force participation (
53% of MGNREGA workers are women).
 - Financial independence via equal wages reduces dependency on male family members.
**Step 2: Indirect Benets**
- Social empowerment: Women gain decision-making authority in households.
- Skill development through manual work enhances employability.
**Step 3: Barriers**
- Cultural norms restrict mobility; unpaid care work limits availability.
- Wage delays and lack of childcare facilities at worksites discourage participation.
**Conclusion**: The policy is transformative but requires supplementary measures like exible timings and
awareness campaigns.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

The solution explores PMUY's multi-dimensional impact.

**Step 1: Health Benets**
- Reduces indoor air pollution by replacing biomass fuels (linked to respiratory diseases).
- Saves time spent collecting rewood, improving women's productivity.
**Step 2: Environmental Gains**
- Cuts deforestation (1 LPG cylinder saves 
5 kg of rewood/day).
- Lowers carbon emissions (LPG burns cleaner than coal/wood).
**Step 3: Limitations**
- High rell costs ($500$600 per cylinder) deter BPL families.
- Inadequate last-mile connectivity in remote areas delays deliveries.
**Conclusion**: PMUY is innovative but needs aordability measures like subsidies for rells.

4. Answer:

Solution Description:

The solution designs a convergent approach.

**Step 1: MGNREGA as Anchor**
- Use wages to fund kitchen gardens under PM Poshan, ensuring nutrient-rich food.
- Develop health infrastructure (e.g., Anganwadi centers) via MGNREGA labor.
**Step 2: Linkages with PM Poshan**
- Regular health check-ups during school meals can identify malnourished children.
**Step 3: Maternal Health Integration**
- MGNREGA workers (mostly women) can be educated about antenatal care under Surakshit Matritva.
**Conicts**:
- Budget constraints may prioritize one scheme over others.
- Overlapping timelines (e.g., farming season vs. MGNREGA work) could reduce participation.
**Conclusion**: Convergence maximizes outcomes but demands coordinated governance and local stakeholder
engagement.
 Topic: The Challenges Ahead

Subjective (Easy)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

The two government schemes are:

1. **Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan** - This scheme was launched in 2016 to reduce maternal
and infant mortality by providing quality antenatal care to pregnant women. It ensures safe pregnancies and
deliveries by addressing gaps in maternal healthcare services.
2. **Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)** - Launched in 2016, this scheme provides free LPG connections
to economically poor households, especially in rural areas, to promote clean cooking fuel use and reduce health
hazards caused by traditional cooking methods.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

The National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) measures various aspects of human poverty beyond just
income. It includes factors such as education, shelter, healthcare, job security, self-condence, freedom from
caste and gender discrimination, and the prevalence of child labour. This broad approach helps capture a more
comprehensive understanding of poverty.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana contributes to environmental sustainability by promoting the use of clean
cooking fuel (LPG) instead of traditional fuels like coal, wood, or cow dung. This reduces deforestation, lowers
carbon emissions, and decreases air pollution. Additionally, it reduces the time and eort spent collecting
rewood, allowing women to participate in social and economic activities more eectively.

Subjective (Medium)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

Rural areas lag behind urban regions in poverty reduction due to several reasons:
1. **Limited employment opportunities**: Rural economies are primarily agriculture-based, which is seasonal
and less remunerative. Urban areas oer diverse jobs in industries and services.
2. **Lower access to education and healthcare**: Infrastructure gaps in rural regions hinder skill development
and productivity.
3. **Social inequalities**: Caste and gender discrimination disproportionately aect rural communities.
 4. **Government scheme implementation**: Delays in reaching remote areas reduce the eectiveness of welfare
programs like PMUY or Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

The MPI measures deprivation across health, education, and living standards (e.g., nutrition, sanitation), unlike
income-based metrics that focus solely on nancial capability. For instance:
1. **Health**: A family earning above the poverty line may still lack access to antenatal care (as addressed
by Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan).
2. **Education**: Children in households with LPG connections (via PMUY) might attend school more
regularly due to reduced rewood collection time.
3. **Living standards**: PMUY's clean fuel reduces respiratory diseases, indirectly improving productivity
and income potential.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

PMUY empowers women and promotes sustainability through:

1. **Health benets**: LPG use reduces smoke-related illnesses, improving women's productivity.
2. **Time savings**: Less rewood collection allows women to engage in income-generating activities.
3. **Economic agency**: Connections issued in women's names enhance their decision-making roles.
4. **Environmental impact**: LPG replaces deforestation-linked fuels, cutting carbon emissions (e.g., 1 LPG
cylinder saves 5 kg of rewood daily).

Subjective (Hard)

1. Answer:

Solution Description:

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) aims to empower rural women by providing clean cooking fuel
(LPG), reducing health risks from traditional fuels like wood or cow dung. This directly tackles economic
poverty by reducing household expenses on fuel and medical costs due to respiratory illnesses. Socially, it
promotes gender equality as connections are issued in women's names, encouraging their participation in socio-
economic activities. Environmentally, it reduces deforestation and carbon emissions. On the other hand,
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan focuses on reducing maternal and infant mortality through qual-
ity antenatal care, addressing health-related poverty. Together, these schemes tackle income poverty (economic
dimension), health and education (social dimension), and environmental sustainability (environmental dimen-
sion), aligning with the broader concept of human poverty.

2. Answer:

Solution Description:

Income-based poverty measures only assess whether a household can aord basic consumption needs, ignoring
non-material aspects like education, healthcare, sanitation, and social discrimination. Vulnerable groups such
 as SC/ST communities face systemic barrierslimited access to resources, caste discrimination, and lack of
job securitythat income metrics cannot quantify. For instance, a woman-headed household may have enough
income but lack childcare support or face gender bias in employment. Similarly, tribal populations might earn
subsistence wages but lack land rights or healthcare access. These gaps highlight the need for multidimensional
indices (like NITI Aayog's MPI) that account for education, health, and living standards to better reect
ground realities.

3. Answer:

Solution Description:

PMUY's success hinges on shifting user behaviour from traditional fuels to LPG, which requires overcoming
cultural preferences and misinformation. Free connections and stoves under PMUY reduce initial resistance,
but sustained use depends on aordability of rells. To address this, the scheme promotes awareness campaigns
highlighting health benets (e.g., reduced respiratory diseases) and time savings (no rewood collection). Com-
munity engagementlike involving local leaders and self-help groupsbuilds trust. However, challenges persist:
some households revert to biomass due to rell costs, indicating the need for subsidies or income-linked support.
Thus, behavioural change must be coupled with economic incentives to ensure long-term adoption.

4. Answer:

Solution Description:

PMUY aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by reducing indoor air pollution, SDG 5 (Gender
Equality) by empowering women, and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by curbing carbon emissions. Surakshit
Matritva Abhiyan also targets SDG 3 via maternal healthcare and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by prioritizing
marginalized groups. Both schemes intersect in promoting health (SDG 3) and women's agency (SDG 5).
For example, healthier mothers (due to antenatal care) can engage more in economic activities, while LPG
access frees their time from fuel collection. Overlaps in implementationsuch as leveraging ASHA workers for
awarenessenhance eciency, creating a multiplier eect on poverty reduction and sustainability.