Question

What are the major reasons for poverty in India?
Class - 9 Economic, Poverty As A Challenge

Answer 1

It is said that “a country is poor because it is poor.” This idea has come down from Ragnar Nurkse who pinpointed the problem of the vicious circle of poverty. Low level of saving reduces the scope for investment; low level of investment yields low income and thus the circle of poverty goes on indefinitely.
1. Climatic factors:

Climatic conditions constitute an important cause of poverty. The hot climate of India reduces the capacity of people especially the ruralites to work for which production severely suffers.

2.Rapid growth of population:

Rapid growth of population aggravates the poverty of the people. The growth of population exceeds the rate of growth in national income. Population growth not only creates difficulties in the removal of poverty but also lowers the per capita income which tends to increase poverty.

3. Personal causes:

(i) Lack of motivation:

Lack of motivation is an important cause of rural poverty. Some ruralites do not have a motive to work hard or even to earn something. This accounts for the poverty of the ruralites.

(ii) Idleness:

Most of the rural people are lazy, dull and reluctant to work. Hence they rot in poverty.