In what ways does poverty intersect with other social problems like caste, social stratification, and gender inequality? What comprehensive strategies do you suggest to address these interrelated issues?

howing decline of poverty rate

• Y-axis: Poverty rate
• X-axis: 2005 to 2023
• Points at 55% in 2005 and 15% in 2023

Poverty's Intersection with

(1) Caste In India caste determines class. lower caste population faces increased level of poverty. (Eg) 5/6 people who are multidimensionally poor belong to SC, ST, OBC classes. This happens because of

• historic limitations on occupations (Eg) dalits → manual scavenging → low levels of education → poor skill base → low employability

Social Stratification (1) minorities like religious and linguistic minorities are often marginalized and face the brunt of poverty due to discrimination and exploitation. (2) this happens in the form of economic boycott, pay discrimination, workplace harassment.

Gender inequality (1) deep rooted patriarchy limits economic opportunities for women (eg) female LFPR 37% in 2022 only. (2) women also earn about 28% less than their male counterparts. (3) face pay discrimination, sexual harassment at work, glass ceiling. (4) women are forced into unpaid caregiving (eg) women spend 10 times more time on care giving (5) all this increases intensity of poverty for women.

Comprehensive Solutions (1) Capacity building and skilling programmes (Eg) PM-kaushal Vikas Yojana (2) access to educational scholarships (Eg) PM Daksh (3) access to proper education (Eg) Eklavya schools → tribals Kasturba Gandhi Kanya Vidyalayas → girls (4) access to credit & financial inclusion (Eg) Stand up India, MUDRA yojana, PM-JDY (5) social awareness programmes to decrease prejudices (6) ensure access to basic facilities