📝 Poverty as a Challenge: Question Paper
Economics | Chapter 3 | NCERT
Total Marks
80
Time
3 Hours
Question Type
Mixed
❓ Question Paper - Poverty as a Challenge
VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (2 marks each)
Q1
2 marks
Define poverty as understood by social scientists.
Q2
2 marks
What is the Poverty Line? Give one example.
Q3
2 marks
Mention any two indicators of the National Multidimensional Poverty Index (NMPI).
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (4 marks each)
Q4
4 marks
Explain the concept of "Social Exclusion" with reference to poverty. How does it differ from simply having a low income?
Q5
4 marks
What do you understand by "vulnerability to poverty"? Name the two most vulnerable social groups in India according to the 2019-21 data.
Q6
4 marks
Compare the traditional Poverty Line method with the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) approach. Why is MPI considered better?
Q7
4 marks
Describe the main features of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005.
Q8
4 marks
How does the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) help in women empowerment? Explain with at least two points.
LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS (6 marks each)
Q9
6 marks
Based on the case of Ram Saran and Lakha Singh, explain the various dimensions of poverty that are visible in their lives. Discuss at least four dimensions with reference to their situations.
Q10
6 marks
Explain India's two-pillar anti-poverty strategy. How do these two pillars work together to reduce poverty in the country?
Q11
6 marks
Analyze the decline in multidimensional poverty in India from 2005-06 to 2019-21. What does this trend indicate about the effectiveness of government policies?
Q12
6 marks
How does the concept of "Human Poverty" extend beyond the traditional definition of poverty based on income? Explain with examples from the document.
CASE STUDY QUESTION (10 marks)
Q13
10 marks
Case Study: Understanding Poverty Through Real Lives
Read the following case and answer the questions:
Ram Saran, 33 years old, works as a daily-wage laborer in a wheat flour mill near Ranchi, Jharkhand. When employed, he earns about ₹3,500 a month, which is erratic. His wife Santa Devi works as a part-time maid earning ₹1,500. He supports a family of six (wife and four children aged 12 years to 6 months), and has to send money to his old parents and brother in the village. The family manages a meager meal of dal and rice twice a day with hardly enough for everyone. His elder son works as a helper in a tea shop earning ₹700. The family lives in a temporary one-room shack in a crowded slum. New clothes are a rarity, and shoes are a luxury.
a) Identify any THREE dimensions of poverty visible in Ram Saran's case. (3 marks)
b) Is Ram Saran's family classified as multidimensionally poor? Give reasons. (3 marks)
c) Which government anti-poverty program could be most beneficial for Ram Saran's family and why? (2 marks)
d) Suggest two long-term measures that could help Ram Saran's family escape poverty permanently. (2 marks)
Total Marks: 80
✅ Answer Key with Explanations
ANSWERS TO VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (2 marks each)
A1
2 marks
Answer: Poverty is a multi-dimensional problem that goes beyond just low income. It includes hunger, lack of shelter, absence of clean water and sanitation, lack of healthcare, unemployment, and living with a sense of helplessness and being ill-treated in various places like farms, factories, and government offices.
💡 Explanation: As per the document, poverty means more than just monetary poverty. It encompasses inadequate nutrition, health, education, and quality of life. Social scientists recognize that poverty has many facets - it's about deprivation of basic needs and human dignity.
A2
2 marks
Answer: The Poverty Line is a minimum level of income or consumption necessary to fulfill basic needs. It varies with time and place. For example, a person not having a car in the USA may be considered poor, while in India, owning a car is still considered a luxury.
💡 Explanation: The document explicitly states that poverty line is based on income/consumption levels and changes according to the development level of a country and accepted minimum social norms. The car example directly illustrates how poverty standards differ across nations.
A3
2 marks
Answer: Any two of the following:
- Nutrition: A child (0-59 months), woman (15-49), or man (15-54) is undernourished
- Child-Adolescent Mortality: A child/adolescent under 18 died in the household in the five-year period
- Maternal Health: Woman didn't receive trained medical assistance during childbirth
- School Attendance: School-aged child not attending school
- Sanitation: Unimproved or shared sanitation facilities
- Drinking Water: No access to improved water or more than 30-minute walk to water
💡 Explanation: The NMPI uses 12 indicators across three categories - Health, Education, and Standard of Living. Students need to mention any two valid indicators. The document provides all 12 indicators in detail.
ANSWERS TO SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (4 marks each)
A4
4 marks
Answer:
- Social Exclusion Defined: It's when poor people are forced to live only in poor surroundings with other poor people, excluded from the facilities, benefits, and opportunities that better-off people enjoy
- Example: The working of the caste system in India, where certain castes are excluded from equal opportunities
- Difference from Low Income: Social exclusion can cause more damage than simply having a very low income because it's systematic discrimination
- Nature: It's both a cause AND consequence of poverty - a vicious cycle
💡 Explanation: According to the document, social exclusion is a process through which individuals or groups are excluded from opportunities. It's more than just poverty - it's discrimination. The caste system example is directly mentioned in the document as a typical example.
A5
4 marks
Answer:
- Vulnerability Definition: It's a measure that describes the greater probability of certain communities or individuals of becoming or remaining poor
- Determined by: Assets available, education levels, health, job opportunities, and ability to handle risks from natural disasters
- Two Most Vulnerable Groups (2019-21):
- Scheduled Tribes (STs): 43% of ST population below poverty line
- Rural Agricultural Laborers: 34% are poor, or Urban Casual Laborers: 34% are poor
💡 Explanation: The document defines vulnerability clearly as the probability of becoming or remaining poor. The 2019-21 data showing 43% for STs, 34% for rural agricultural laborers and urban casual workers is explicitly provided in the document with reference to Graph 3.2.
A6
4 marks
Answer:
Traditional Poverty Line Method:
- Based only on income or consumption levels
- Uses minimum calorie requirements (2400 in rural, 2100 in urban areas)
- Calculates monetary expenditure needed to buy food grains
- Limited view of poverty - only focuses on money
Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI):
- Measures 12 indicators across Health, Education, and Living Standards
- Measures and compares deprivations directly
- More comprehensive understanding of poverty
- Considers access to basic services, not just income
Why MPI is Better:
- Captures multiple dimensions of poverty
- Reflects real deprivations people face
- Helps government target specific needs
- Better for policy making
💡 Explanation: The document explicitly states that MPI "measures and compares deprivations directly" unlike the consumption-based poverty line. It complements the income-based measurement by providing a broader perspective on poverty.
A7
4 marks
Answer: Main Features of MGNREGA, 2005:
- Employment Guarantee: Provides 100 days of guaranteed wage employment to every rural household per year
- Purpose: Ensures livelihood security in rural areas and sustainable development
- Gender Aspect: One-third of jobs reserved for women - promotes women's participation and earning
- Additional Goals: Addresses causes of drought, deforestation, and soil erosion through infrastructure creation
- Wage Rates: Wage rates for unskilled manual workers are revised regularly based on living costs
💡 Explanation: The document provides detailed information about MGNREGA, highlighting its dual purpose - providing employment and addressing environmental issues. The 1/3rd women's reservation is specifically mentioned as a key feature.
A8
4 marks
Answer: PMUY (2016) and Women Empowerment:
- Clean Cooking Fuel: Provides LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) connections to poor households, replacing traditional fuels like coal, wood, and cow dung
- Health Benefits: Saves women from chronic respiratory disorders and poor eyesight caused by smoke from traditional cooking methods
- Time Saving: Women no longer need to spend 4-5 hours daily collecting firewood, saving time and effort
- Economic Participation: Freed-up time allows women to participate in social and economic activities, earn income, and engage in education
- Connection Ownership: Connections are issued in the name of female family members, giving them direct control
- Environmental Benefits: Reduces deforestation and carbon emissions from burning coal and firewood
💡 Explanation: The document extensively discusses how PMUY empowers women by saving them from respiratory diseases, reducing firewood collection burden, and freeing time for other activities. It's presented as a key women empowerment initiative.
ANSWERS TO LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS (6 marks each)
A9
6 marks
Answer: Dimensions of Poverty in Ram Saran and Lakha Singh's Lives:
1. Unemployment & Irregular Employment:
Ram Saran's work is not regular - he only earns when he finds employment. Lakha Singh also faces erratic employment doing odd jobs. This shows lack of stable job opportunities.
2. Low Income & Inadequate Living Standard:
Total family income is only ₹5,700 (Ram: ₹3,500 + Wife: ₹1,500 + Son: ₹700) for a family of 6, while Lakha gets only ₹200 for a hard day's work. This is grossly inadequate.
3. Hunger & Poor Nutrition:
Both families manage only meager meals - dal and rice twice a day. There's never enough for everyone. This shows malnutrition, a key indicator of multidimensional poverty.
4. Inadequate Housing:
Ram lives in a temporary one-room shack in a crowded slum. Lakha lives in a kuchha (mud) hut. Both lack proper shelter, a basic human need.
5. Landlessness:
Lakha's family owns no land, forcing them to do odd jobs for others. Landlessness is a major cause of rural poverty and vulnerability.
6. Poor Health & Healthcare Access:
Lakha's father died of tuberculosis due to lack of medication. His mother now has the same disease. This shows they cannot afford treatment.
7. Lack of Basic Amenities:
Shoes are a luxury for Ram's family. Even soap and oil are luxuries for Lakha's family. This shows deprivation in basic living standards.
8. Large Family Size:
Ram supports 6 people plus dependent parents and brother. Large families with limited income create greater poverty. Also, his son works as child labor.
💡 Explanation: Both case studies are provided in the document with detailed information. The document specifically says these cases highlight: landlessness, unemployment, family size, low literacy, poor health/nutrition, and helplessness. Students should identify at least 4 dimensions as asked.
A10
6 marks
Answer: India's Two-Pillar Anti-Poverty Strategy:
Pillar 1: Promotion of Economic Growth
- Strong link between economic growth and poverty reduction
- Economic growth creates job opportunities and increases incomes
- Provides resources for investment in human development (education, health)
- Higher growth rates encourage families to send children (including girls) to school
- Example: India's growth rate jumped from 3.5% in 1970s to 6% in 1980s-1990s, significantly helping poverty reduction
Pillar 2: Targeted Anti-Poverty Programmes
- Economic growth alone cannot benefit the very poor
- Targeted schemes directly address specific deprivations
- Examples: MGNREGA (employment), PM Poshan (nutrition & education), PMUY (clean cooking fuel)
- These programs provide immediate relief and build long-term capabilities
How They Work Together:
- Economic growth creates overall wealth and opportunities
- Targeted programs ensure the poorest benefit from this growth
- Programs create safety nets while growth builds long-term solutions
- Combined approach addresses both structural and immediate poverty issues
💡 Explanation: The document states that "current anti-poverty strategy is based broadly on two factors - promotion of economic growth and targeted anti-poverty programmes." It explicitly explains how growth provides resources and opportunities while targeted programs ensure the very poor are not left behind.
A11
6 marks
Answer: Analysis of Poverty Decline (2005-06 to 2019-21):
The Trend (Data):
- 2005-06: Multidimensional poverty was 55%
- 2015-16: Reduced to 25%
- 2019-21: Further declined to 15%
- Achievement: 73% reduction in 14 years and 13.5 crore people escaped poverty between 2015-2021
What This Decline Indicates:
- Policy Effectiveness: Government interventions between 2005-06 and 2019-21 have been significantly effective
- Economic Growth Impact: Higher economic growth rates since the 1980s have contributed substantially to poverty reduction
- Targeted Programs Success: Programs like MGNREGA and PM Poshan are working
- Overall Development: The multi-dimensional approach (not just income) is capturing real improvement in people's lives
Regional Variation:
- States like Bihar, UP, MP, and Rajasthan have made remarkable progress
- Some states like Kerala have reached less than 10% poverty
- Deprivation reduction has been sharper in rural areas than urban areas
Future Prospects:
- Document expects multidimensional poverty to soon reach single digit
- Continued growth and programs can achieve UN's SDG Goal 1: No Poverty
- India is on track to meet 2030 targets
💡 Explanation: All the statistical data presented (55% in 2005-06, 25% in 2015-16, 15% in 2019-21, and 13.5 crore escaped poverty) is directly from the document. The document also states that "due to the array of Government intervention policies... there has been significant decline" which supports the policy effectiveness analysis.
A12
6 marks
Answer: Human Poverty vs. Traditional Poverty Definition:
Traditional Definition (Income-Based):
- Defines poverty only by income or consumption levels
- Poverty line based on minimum income needed to buy food and basic items
- Limited to measuring monetary deprivation
- Shows only if someone has money, not quality of life
Human Poverty Concept (Broader Definition):
- Beyond Money: Asks if people have education, healthcare, job security, self-confidence
- Freedom from Discrimination: Are they free from caste and gender discrimination?
- Child Labor: Are children free from child labor and free to learn and play?
- Quality of Life: Can they afford reasonable shelter, nutrition, and basic services?
- Social Participation: Can they participate in social and economic activities?
Example from Document:
A person might have enough income to buy food but cannot read or write (no education), has no access to healthcare, faces caste discrimination, and cannot participate in society. Traditional poverty measurement might classify them as not poor, but Human Poverty perspective recognizes them as poor because they lack essential capabilities.
Why Broader Definition Matters:
With development, the definition of poverty changes. We should measure not just subsistence level but "reasonable" level of living with dignity, opportunity, and human rights. UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 focus on this human poverty approach.
💡 Explanation: The document explicitly states: "Many scholars advocate that we must broaden the concept into human poverty. A large number of people may have been able to feed themselves. But do they have education? Or shelter? Or health care? Or job security? Or self-confidence? Are they free from caste and gender discrimination?" This represents the shift from income-based to human poverty concept.
ANSWER TO CASE STUDY QUESTION (10 marks)
A13
10 marks
a) Three Dimensions of Poverty in Ram Saran's Case: (3 marks)
- Unemployment/Irregular Employment: His work is not regular and wages are erratic (₹3,500/month when employed). There's no job security, which is a key poverty dimension.
- Hunger & Malnutrition: The family manages only meager meals of dal and rice twice daily with never enough for all. This indicates inadequate nutrition, a health indicator of multidimensional poverty.
- Inadequate Housing: Lives in a temporary one-room shack in a crowded slum. Lacks proper shelter with no privacy or security - a standard of living deprivation.
Other acceptable answers: Lack of basic amenities (shoes, clothes are luxuries), Large family dependency, Lack of education (implied), Child labor (son working instead of schooling)
b) Is Ram Saran's Family Multidimensionally Poor? Reasons: (3 marks)
Answer: YES, the family is multidimensionally poor.
- Health Deprivation: Undernourishment is evident (meager meals), no mention of healthcare access. Score on Health indicators: Poor.
- Education Deprivation: No mention of family members completing proper schooling. Daughter helps with siblings instead of full-time schooling. Son works instead of studying. Score on Education indicators: Poor.
- Standard of Living Deprivation: Inadequate housing (temporary shack), lack of basic assets (shoes/clothes are luxuries), cooking fuel likely traditional, no electricity/sanitation details but implied poor. Multiple standard of living indicators affected.
- Vulnerability: As daily-wage laborer, the family is economically vulnerable. The father depends on irregular employment.
c) Most Beneficial Government Program & Why: (2 marks)
Best Answer: MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act)
- Why: Provides 100 days of guaranteed wage employment, which directly addresses Ram's irregular employment problem
- Income Stability: Ensures minimum income throughout the year, preventing the family from falling into extreme poverty
- Women Employment: Wife could also participate (1/3rd jobs reserved for women), increasing family income further
Alternative acceptable answers: PM Poshan (helps with nutrition), PMUY (if family uses traditional cooking fuel)
d) Two Long-term Measures to Help Escape Poverty: (2 marks)
- Measure 1 - Education & Skill Development: Ensure all children, especially the son, continue formal education instead of working. This increases their future earning potential and breaks the poverty cycle through better job opportunities and higher incomes.
- Measure 2 - Economic Growth & Better Jobs: Focus on creating stable, better-paying employment opportunities through industrial development in the region. This moves families from daily-wage labor to regular employment with better wages and job security.
These align with India's two-pillar anti-poverty strategy mentioned in the document - economic growth (Pillar 1) and targeted programs (Pillar 2).
💡 Overall Explanation: This case study directly reflects Ram Saran's situation from the document. All answers should be based on the document's definition of multidimensional poverty, the government programs described, and the two-pillar anti-poverty strategy mentioned. The key is to connect the case details with the theoretical concepts from the document.
📊 Marking Scheme & Evaluation Criteria
Distribution of Marks:
| Question Type | Number | Marks Each | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very Short Answer (VSA) | 3 (Q1-Q3) | 2 | 6 |
| Short Answer (SA) | 5 (Q4-Q8) | 4 | 20 |
| Long Answer (LA) | 4 (Q9-Q12) | 6 | 24 |
| Case Study | 1 (Q13) | 10 | 10 |
| TOTAL | 13 | - | 80 |
Total Marks: 80 | Time: 3 Hours | Questions: 13
