In a nation’s march towards development, numerous groups are often left behind, including the poor, youth, women, and farmers. The government of India, headed by the Prime Minister, emphasizes prioritizing these vulnerable groups’ well-being. This article provides comprehensive insights into their socio-economic dynamics in India, challenges faced, and various government initiatives targeted towards their upliftment.
Poor and Unemployment: Harsh Realities and Government Response
India is home to more than 230 million people living below the poverty line. In the 2023 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index by UNDP, it was revealed that 415 million Indians escaped poverty between 2005-06 and 2019-21. However, 18.7% of the population was classified as ‘vulnerable’ to multidimensional poverty, primarily troubled by inadequate cooking fuel, housing, and nutrition.
As per the National Sample Survey Office, India’s unemployment rate reached its peak in October 2023, particularly rising in rural areas. Notably, self-employment increased from 52% in 2018-19 to 57% in 2022-23, pointing towards a lack of job alternatives. The government has implemented schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) 2005, and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana to counter these issues.
Women: Socio-Economic Conditions and Interventions
India ranked 127 out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report 2023, showing a slight improvement from the previous year. However, crimes against women rose by 4% in 2022, with cruelty by husbands or relatives, kidnapping, assault, and rape being the most common crimes. The Women’s Reservation Act, 2023, was passed to empower women politically. Government initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme, Ujjawala Yojna, and Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme aim at improving women’s socio-economic conditions.
Farmers: Agricultural Distress and Support Measures
The farming community faced significant losses due to climatic disruptions leading to crop failures. States like Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand are grappling with drought and drought-like conditions. Farmers also bear the brunt of pest attacks and rising suicide rates. The government counters these challenges through schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) to provide financial relief and support.
Youth: Unemployment Crisis and Mitigation Strategies
India’s youth unemployment rate stood at 23.2% in 2022, higher than its neighboring countries. Despite a marginal drop from 2021 figures, it is still higher than the pre-Covid year of 2019. The government has instituted various programmes for the youth, including the Prime Minister’s Scheme For Mentoring Young Authors, National Youth Policy-2014, National Skill Development Corporation, and Rashtriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram Scheme.
Multifaceted government initiatives and policy changes catering to these groups’ needs have been implemented. These include creating job opportunities, promoting gender equality, providing financial assistance and skill development programs. These steps reflect a commitment towards ensuring dignity and respect for all individuals, particularly the deprived sections.
To conclude, all these measures are institutional reminders of state responsibility to create an inclusive society that cares for its poor, women, youth, and farmers. The success of these interventions and their subsequent impact on these vulnerable groups remains to be explored and measured.