“An essential condition to eradicate poverty is to liberate the poor from the process of deprivation.” Substantiate this statement with suitable examples. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]

Eradicating Poverty by Addressing Deprivation

Key Aspects of Deprivation:

1. Lack of Education & Skills – 56% of India’s workforce lacks market-relevant skills (Periodic Labour Force Survey, 2022).
2. Unemployment & Informal Sector – Over 90% of India’s workforce is in the informal sector without job security.
3. Landlessness & Social Discrimination – Marginalized communities like Dalits & Adivasis have lower access to land and credit.

Ways to Liberate the Poor:

1. Skill Development – PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) provides vocational training.
2. Financial Inclusion – Jan Dhan Yojana has brought 50 crore+ people into the banking system.
3. Agrarian Reforms – E-NAM & Kisan Credit Card help farmers access better markets.
4. Social Security & Welfare – MGNREGA provides 100 days of rural employment, lifting millions out of poverty.

Conclusion:

Liberating the poor from deprivation requires sustained investments in human capital, financial inclusion, and social security, ensuring long-term poverty alleviation.