What do you understand by Amartya Sen's 'capability approach'? Analyse its significance in understanding social realities and in making a pro poor development strategy.

Historically, poverty has been measured through economic means such as income & consumption.

Amartya Sen talks about a capability approach where [lack of capability ⇔ Poverty] This approach focuses on social capabilities & hence is important in understanding the social realities as mentioned in the examples above.

Pro poor development strategy shouldn't merely focus upon income generation & higher GDP growth.

Such strategies should include

for future

This approach focuses on social capabilities & hence is important in understanding the social realities as mentioned in the examples above.

Pro poor development strategy shouldn't merely focus upon income generation & higher GDP growth.

Such strategies should include

• Universal Health Coverage
• Free & affordable education to all
• Mechanisms to get the rights regst grievances registered
• Right to service Quality - SEVOTTAM

This idea is in sync with the Gandhian ideology of Sarvodaya or Kant's Kingdom of Ends. Every poor person should be treated as an end in itself & given all the means to develop. The development of Antyodaya will lead to Sarvodaya.