AKR ACADEMY SCHOOL (CBSE)

1930258-Affiliated to CBSE,
New Delhi, Tiruppur main Road,
Anaipudur , Avinashi – 641652

POVERTY IN INDIA

PROJECT REPORT
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of

AISSCE
Practical Examination
In
ENGLISH

Submitted by
SHIBHI SIDDARTH N
REG No:………….………..

Under the guidance of

Mrs. SIVARANJINI
MA., M.Ed., M.Sc., Psychology

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

(2024 – 2025)
 AKR ACADEMY SCHOOL (CBSE)
CBSE Affiliation. No - 1930258
Anaipudur, Avinashi.

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that SHIBHI SIDDARTH N bearing Roll

No._________________________ of grade XII has completed his project
POVERTY IN INDIA as per the partial fulfillment of the CBSE board in
the academic year of 2024 - 2025. He has put in good effort in doing the
project in a meticulous way.

SIGNATURE OF THE SIGNATURE OF THE

INTERNAL EXAMINER EXTERNAL EXAMINER

SIGNATURE OF THE PRINCIPAL

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Apart from the efforts of me, the success of any project depends largely on the
encouragement and guidelines of many others. I take this opportunity to express my
gratitude to the people who have been instrumental in the successful completion of this
project.

I express my sincere thanks to the Mr. K LAKSHMINARAYANAN Correspondent, AKR

ACADEMY SCHOOL for providing me an infrastructure and moral support while carrying out
this project in the school.

I express my deep sense of gratitude to Mr. T GANESH M.Sc., B.Ed., M.Phil., Principal,
AKR ACADEMY SCHOOL who has been continuously motivating and extending their helping
hand to us.

My sincere thanks to Mrs. SIVARANJINI MA., M.Sc., M.Ed., Psychology ., teacher In-
charge ,a Guide, mentor all the above a friend, who critically reviewed my project and
helped in solving each and every problem, occurred during implementation of the project

I gratefully acknowledge the contribution of the individuals who contributed in

bringing this project up to this level, who continues to look after me despite my flaws.

I express my heartfelt gratitude to my parents for constant encouragement while

carrying out this project.

The guidance and support received from all the members who contributed and who
are contributing to this project, was vital for the success of the project. I am grateful for
their constant support and help.
 DECLARATION

I am SHIBHI SIDDARTH N hereby declare that the project on

the topic “POVERTY IN INDIA” is a bonafide record of work done
under the guidance of Mrs. SIVA RANJANI MA., M.Sc., M.Ed.,
Psychology., Teacher of Physics. This project is submitted in
partial fulfillments of the regulations laid downby the Central
Board of Secondary Education for the Senior Secondary
Examination, 2024-2025 .

DATE :

PLACE : AVINASHI

NAME OF THE STUDENT: SHIBHI SIDDARTH

 INDEX

SNO SUBTOPICS PG.NO

1 Introduction 2
2 Definition and Measurement of Poverty 3
3 Historical Background of Poverty in India 4
4 Economic Dimensions of Poverty 5
5 Causes of Poverty in India 6
6 Types of Poverty 7
7 Impact of Poverty 8
8 Government Initiatives to Alleviate Poverty 9
9 Role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in 10-11
Fighting Poverty
10 Global Perspective on Poverty in India 12-13
11 Social Aspects of Poverty 14
12 Regional Disparities in Poverty 15
13 Health and Poverty 16
14 Education and Poverty 17
15 Employment and Poverty 18
16 Role of International Organizations in Addressing 19
Poverty
17 Solutions To Reduce Poverty 20
18 Conclusion 21
19 Bibliography 22

1
1.INTRODUCTION
Poverty in India: A Comprehensive Overview:
Poverty is one of the greatest challenges India has been
grappling with since its independence in 1947. Despite
being one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, a
large segment of the population continues to live in poverty.
Poverty is not just the lack of income or material
possessions; it also includes deprivation of basic human
rights, opportunities, education, and health services. This
project examines various dimensions of poverty in India and
the efforts being made to alleviate it.

Poverty in India
Poverty is one of the major issues that India has been
struggling with since its independence. Despite significant
economic growth over the decades, a large section of the
population still lives in poor conditions. Poverty in India is
multidimensional, meaning it affects various aspects of life,
such as health,
education,
employment, and
social standing.

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2. Definition and Measurement of Poverty:
Poverty is generally defined as the state in which an
individual or family lacks the financial resources to meet
basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing. In India,
poverty is measured using a poverty line, which is the
minimum income level required to meet the essential
needs. The poverty line is determined by the cost of living
and is periodically updated. Various institutions, such as the
World Bank and the Indian government, provide different
thresholds to measure poverty.

3
3. Historical Background of Poverty in India:
Poverty in India has deep historical roots. During colonial
times, the British exploited Indian resources, which left
much of the population impoverished. Pre-independence
famines like the Bengal famine of 1943 further worsened
the economic conditions of millions of Indians. After
independence, the newly formed government faced the
enormous task of rebuilding an economy that had been
exploited for centuries.
 Post-Independence Era: India's early economic policies
were driven by socialist ideals, aiming for self-reliance
and industrialization. However, these measures did not
completely succeed in eradicating poverty. The rural
population, which depended on agriculture, remained
poor due to low productivity and lack of infrastructure.

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4. Economic Dimensions of Poverty:
Poverty is often measured in terms of income or
consumption levels. However, it also manifests in lack of
access to basic services. Economically, poverty is
characterized by:
 Low Income: A significant portion of India's population
earns less than $2 per day. The poor, particularly in
rural areas, are trapped in low-paying jobs with no
scope for upward mobility.
 Inflation: Rising prices of essential commodities like
food and fuel have exacerbated the financial hardships
of the poor.
 Rural-Urban Disparities: While cities like Mumbai and
Delhi have prospered, rural areas remain
underdeveloped, with limited access to modern
amenities and services. Agriculture, which employs
over 50% of the
population, contributes
only around 15-17% to
the GDP, reflecting a
deep economic disparity.

5
5. Causes of Poverty in India:
Several factors contribute to the prevalence of poverty in
India:
 Unemployment and Underemployment: A large part
of the Indian population is engaged in informal or low-
paying jobs. The lack of stable employment
opportunities leads to economic insecurity and poverty.
 Illiteracy: Education plays a vital role in lifting people
out of poverty. However, due to low literacy rates in
rural areas and among marginalized communities,
people are unable to secure well-paying jobs.
 Overpopulation: India is the second most populous
country in the world. Overpopulation puts immense
pressure on resources like food, water, and
employment opportunities, leading to poverty.
 Social Inequality: Caste-based and gender inequalities
further marginalize certain sections of society, making
it harder for them to rise above poverty.
 Poor Agricultural Productivity: A large part of India’s
population depends on agriculture, but low agricultural
productivity due to lack of modern technology and
poor infrastructure traps farmers in poverty.
6. Types of Poverty:
6
  Absolute Poverty: This refers to the condition where
individuals do not have the means to afford basic
necessities such as food, shelter, and clothing.
 Relative Poverty: This form of poverty is measured in
comparison to the overall wealth of the society in
which an individual lives. People may have basic needs
met but are still poor relative to others in their society.
 Urban vs Rural Poverty: Poverty in India differs
significantly between urban and rural areas. Rural
poverty is more widespread due to low agricultural
productivity, poor infrastructure, and lack of education.
Urban poverty, while less prevalent, is still significant in
slums and low-income areas where unemployment and
poor living conditions are common.

7
7. Impact of Poverty:
Poverty has a profound impact on individuals and society:
 Health: Poor people are more vulnerable to health
issues due to lack of access to proper healthcare,
malnutrition, and inadequate living conditions.
 Education: Poverty affects education as families may
not afford to send their children to school, leading to a
cycle of illiteracy and limited job opportunities.
 Crime: Poverty is often linked to higher crime rates, as
people resort to illegal activities to survive.
 Social Exclusion: People living in poverty often face
social marginalization and exclusion from mainstream
opportunities.

8
8.Government Initiatives to Alleviate Poverty:
 Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee
Act (MGNREGA): This program provides guaranteed
employment to rural households for at least 100 days per
year, ensuring a source of income for the poor.
 Public Distribution System (PDS): PDS is designed to
provide subsidized food grains to poor households to
ensure food security.
 Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): This housing
scheme aims to provide affordable housing to the urban
poor, ensuring decent living conditions.
 National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM): This program
aims to enhance the livelihoods of rural people by
providing them with skill development, self-employment
opportunities, and improved access to credit.
 Ayushman Bharat Scheme: It provides health insurance to
poor families, ensuring access to better healthcare
facilities.

9
9. Role of Non-Governmental Organizations
(NGOs) in Fighting Poverty:
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play a critical role
in alleviating poverty in India by filling gaps that
government programs often leave. These organizations
work at the grassroots level, reaching marginalized and
vulnerable communities who are otherwise excluded from
mainstream development efforts.
 Providing Education: NGOs like Pratham and Teach for
India focus on improving literacy and education in
underprivileged areas. They provide free schooling,
learning materials, and mentorship to children who
lack access to formal education, helping break the cycle
of poverty through skill development.
 Healthcare Initiatives: NGOs like Smile Foundation and
CARE India provide healthcare services to poor
communities. They conduct health camps, provide free
medicines, and promote awareness about nutrition,
hygiene, and maternal health, thus improving overall
well-being.
 Livelihood Programs: Organizations like SEWA (Self-
Employed Women’s Association) empower women
through skill development and self-employment
opportunities. These programs enhance the earning

10
 potential of individuals in low-income communities,
promoting economic independence.
 Advocacy and Awareness: NGOs play a vital role in
advocating for the rights of the poor, raising awareness
about issues like housing, employment, and legal rights.
They mobilize resources and influence policy changes
at local, national, and international levels to better
address poverty.

11
10. Global Perspective on Poverty in India
India's poverty situation has garnered significant global
attention due to its large population and the scale of its
economic disparities. Despite being one of the fastest-
growing economies, India still has millions living below the
poverty line, which is a global concern.
 Progress in Poverty Reduction: Over the past few
decades, India has made notable progress in reducing
poverty, lifting millions out of extreme poverty.
However, the pace is slower compared to other
developing countries like China, where industrialization
and economic reforms have drastically reduced poverty
rates.
 Global Comparisons: India still has one of the highest
concentrations of poor people globally. According to
the World Bank, about 10% of the world's poor live in
India, though this percentage has decreased over the
years. However, India's poverty reduction efforts lag
behind nations like Brazil and Vietnam, which have
implemented more inclusive economic policies.
 Impact on Global Development Goals: India's success
in reducing poverty is crucial for achieving global
targets such as the United Nations' Sustainable
Development Goal (SDG) 1, which aims to eradicate
poverty by 2030. As one of the largest developing
12
 nations, India’s progress is pivotal to global poverty
reduction efforts.
 Global Aid and Collaboration: India receives
international support from organizations like the World
Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to
fund poverty alleviation programs, improve
infrastructure, and promote inclusive growth.
Collaboration with global partners helps India
implement effective strategies to fight poverty.

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11. Social Aspects of Poverty
Social inequality in India is one of the major drivers of poverty.
Marginalized communities often bear the brunt of poverty due
to long-standing caste and gender-based discrimination.
 Caste-based Poverty: Historically, lower castes (Dalits and
Scheduled Tribes) have been socially and economically
marginalized. They have been denied access to land,
education, and employment opportunities, perpetuating
poverty across generations.
 Gender and Poverty: Women, especially in rural areas,
face multiple layers of deprivation. Gender inequality in
India results in women having less access to education,
employment, and healthcare. Female-headed households
are more likely to experience extreme poverty.
 Child Poverty: Poverty also severely affects children. A
significant number of children in poor households lack
access to proper education and nutrition, which
negatively impacts their growth and development.

14
12. Regional Disparities in Poverty
Poverty levels vary significantly across different regions of India.
Some states have managed to reduce poverty effectively, while
others still struggle.
 Bimaru States: States like Bihar, Madhya Pradesh,
Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh (often referred to as the
"Bimaru" states) have some of the highest poverty rates in
India. These states suffer from underdevelopment, poor
governance, and inadequate infrastructure.
 Southern States: In contrast, states like Kerala and Tamil
Nadu have made significant strides in poverty reduction
through strong social policies in education, healthcare,
and women's empowerment.
 North-Eastern States: The North-Eastern region of India
also faces high levels of poverty due to its geographic
isolation, poor
connectivity, and lack
of industrialization.

13.
15
Health and Poverty
Poverty has a direct impact on health. The poor often lack
access to quality healthcare and suffer from malnutrition
and disease. Poor health, in turn, perpetuates poverty, as
individuals are unable to work or seek education.
 Malnutrition: India has one of the highest rates of
malnourished children in the world. Malnutrition
weakens the immune system, making people more
susceptible to diseases.
 Infant and Maternal Mortality: Poor healthcare
facilities and lack of access to maternal care result in
high rates of infant and maternal mortality in
impoverished regions.
 Access to Sanitation: Poor access to clean drinking
water and sanitation leads to waterborne diseases such
as diarrhea, cholera, and dysentery, which further
contribute to poor health outcomes in low-income
communities.

16
14. Education and Poverty
Education is one of the most effective tools for breaking the
cycle of poverty, but access to education remains limited for
many in India.
 Literacy Rates: Although India's literacy rate has
improved over the decades, it remains lower in rural
and impoverished areas. The quality of education in
government schools is often substandard, leading to
high dropout rates.
 Gender Gap in Education: Girls are more likely to be
pulled out of school to help with household chores,
marry early, or care for younger siblings, contributing
to gender-based poverty.
 Vocational Training: A lack of skills-based education
and vocational training limits employment
opportunities, especially in rural areas where
agricultural jobs are the only option.

17
15. Employment and Poverty
A significant contributor to poverty is the lack of decent
employment opportunities. A large percentage of the
population is either unemployed or underemployed,
particularly in rural areas.
 Agricultural Employment: Over half of India’s workforce is
employed in agriculture, but most are engaged in
subsistence farming. Poor infrastructure, low investment
in agriculture, and fragmented landholdings keep farmers
in a state of poverty.
 Urban Informal Sector: In cities, many people work in the
informal sector, where they do not have job security,
healthcare benefits, or pensions. Migrants from rural
areas often work in low-paying jobs in construction,
domestic work, or as street vendors.
 Mid-Day Meal Scheme: To improve nutritional levels
among children, this scheme provides free meals in
government schools, ensuring that hunger does not
hinder education.
 PM-KISAN: The Pradhan
Mantri Kisan Samman
Nidhi provides income
support to farmers,
helping alleviate rural
poverty.

18
16. Role of International Organizations in
Addressing Poverty
International organizations like the World Bank,
International Monetary Fund (IMF), and United Nations (UN)
play a significant role in poverty alleviation efforts in India.
 World Bank Projects: The World Bank has funded
numerous poverty alleviation projects in India, focusing
on areas like rural development, healthcare, education,
and infrastructure.
 UN Sustainable Development Goals: The United
Nations has set global goals for poverty reduction
under its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). India
is working towards achieving these goals, particularly
SDG 1, which aims to eradicate poverty in all forms by
2030.

17.
19
Solutions to Reduce Poverty
Addressing poverty in India requires multi-f3aceted solutions that
tackle the root causes of economic and social deprivation. Some
effective measures include:
 Promoting Industrialization: Job creation in manufacturing
and service sectors can help reduce poverty by providing
stable employment opportunities.
 Agricultural Reforms: Modernizing agriculture through
improved irrigation, seeds, and farming techniques can boost
productivity and income for farmers.
 Inclusive Growth: Policies that ensure equitable distribution
of wealth and resources, focusing on the welfare of
marginalized communities, are essential.
 Educational Reforms: Strengthening the education system by
improving infrastructure, teacher training, and vocational
education can empower future generations to escape poverty.

18.
20
Conclusion
Poverty in India is a complex, multi-faceted challenge
rooted in historical, socio-economic, and political factors.
While significant strides have been made in reducing
extreme poverty, particularly since economic reforms in the
1990s, a large portion of the population still struggles with
inadequate access to basic necessities such as healthcare,
education, sanitation, and employment opportunities. Rural
poverty, urban slums, and stark regional disparities
highlight the uneven distribution of development. Factors
such as caste, gender inequality, and lack of infrastructure
further exacerbate poverty. Despite sustained economic
growth and numerous government schemes aimed at
poverty alleviation, such as the Mahatma Gandhi National
Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and Direct
Benefit Transfers (DBT), the gap between the rich and the
poor remains wide. Effective solutions will require a
combination of sustained economic growth, targeted social
welfare policies, and inclusive development strategies that
address structural inequalities.

21
19.Bibliography:

AI Partners ---

https://niti.gov.in
https://rural.nic.in
https://data.worldbank.org
https://hdr.undp.org
https://adb.org
https://www.thehindu.com
https://www.oxfamindia.org
https://www.pratham.org
https://www.actionaidindia.org

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