Holistic freedom from multidimensional poverty a non-negotiable task for Amrit Kaal

Education, health and the right to life with dignity are three serious casualties of poverty. They leave a devastating impact on the ideals of peace, equality, justice, fraternity and economic prosperity. In the circumstances, it is heartening to note that a record 13.5 crore people have moved out of multidimensional poverty between 2015-16 and 2019-21 as per NITI Aayog’s report titled ‘National Multidimensional Poverty Index: A Progress Review 2023.’

The report is based on the findings of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) conducted for 2019-21. It has taken into consideration health, education, nutrition, child and adolescent mortality, maternal health, years of schooling, school attendance, cooking fuel, sanitation, drinking water, electricity, housing, assets, and bank accounts to draw inferences. There is no denying the fact that these are critical indicators to assess how as a nation we are progressing when we are aspiring to become a $ 5 trillion economy by 2025.

The report says that India has registered a significant decline of 9.89 percentage points in the number of India’s multi-dimensionally poor from 24.85 per cent in 2015-16 to 14.96 per cent in 2019-2021. This implies that for the present nearly 21 crore people are caught in the morass of multidimensional poverty, struggling for access to the all basic amenities and essential services. Rural areas have reportedly witnessed the fastest decline in poverty from 32.59 per cent to 19.28 per cent, while urban areas saw a reduction from 8.65 per cent to 5.27 per cent. Uttar Pradesh has registered the largest decline with 3.43 crore people escaping multidimensional poverty.

According to the report, apart from Uttar Pradesh, the fastest reduction in the proportion of multidimensional poor was observed in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Rajasthan. It is certainly a matter of big relief.

The experts behind the report have found that the government’s dedicated focus on improving access to sanitation, nutrition, cooking fuel, financial inclusion, drinking water, and electricity has worked wonders. Flagship programmes like the Poshan Abhiyan and Anaemia Mukt Bharat have contributed to reduced deprivations in health. Initiatives such as Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) and Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) have improved sanitation across the country. The impact of these efforts is evident in the swift 21.8 percentage point improvement in sanitation deprivations. The provision of subsidized cooking fuel through the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) has positively transformed lives, with a 14.6 percentage point improvement in cooking fuel deprivations. Initiatives like Saubhagya, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), and Samagra Shiksha have also played a major role in significantly reducing multidimensional poverty.

The remarkable progress achieved through extremely low deprivation rates especially for electricity, access to bank accounts and drinking water, reflects the Central government’s unwavering commitment to improving citizens' lives and creating a brighter future for all. Consistent implementation across a diverse set of programmes and initiatives that have strong inter-linkages has led to significant reduction in deprivations across multiple indicators.

The question that arises is on how to ensure that those moving out of multidimensional poverty take the next leap towards their holistic empowerment so that their children can get into the holy precincts of higher education institutions (HEIs), centres of excellence, reap the benefits of economic growth and have their share in quality job opportunities along with affordable healthcare in the private sector.

‘The State of Inequality in India Report’ released by Dr Bibek Debroy, Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), on May 18, 2022, outlined how inequities across sectors of health, education, household characteristics and the labour market make “the population more vulnerable and triggers a descent into multidimensional poverty.” The report says the share of the top one per cent of the population accounts for 6-7 per cent of the total incomes earned, while the top 10 per cent accounts for one-third of all incomes earned.

The real challenge before the policy makers and planners lies in ensuring equitable distribution of economic opportunities, facilities and privileges among the masses in general and the poor in particular. The equitable distribution of quality economic and job opportunities among all is a crucial pillar of a fair and just society. Ensuring that every individual has equal access to opportunities irrespective of their background, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic status is not only morally imperative but also essential for fostering social cohesion and economic progress. By promoting inclusive policies such as access to quality education, vocational training, and mentorship programs, societies can empower marginalized populations and bridge the gap between advantaged and disadvantaged groups.

Furthermore, creating an environment that encourages diversity and eliminates discrimination can harness the untapped potential of a diverse workforce, driving innovation and economic growth. Embracing the principle of equitable distribution of opportunities fosters a more inclusive and prosperous society, where every individual can contribute and thrive, ultimately benefiting the collective well-being of the nation.

In conclusion, multidimensional inequalities have far-reaching and profound repercussions on individuals, communities and the society as a whole. When individuals lack access to basic services, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, it becomes challenging for them to break free from the cycle of poverty, hindering their social mobility and economic advancement. Multidimensional inequalities also result in underutilization of human capital. When talented individuals from marginalized backgrounds are denied access to education or proper training, society loses out on their potential contributions. Extreme disparities in wealth and distribution of opportunities can contribute to higher crime rates and a sense of insecurity in society.

Building a more just and inclusive social order requires a holistic strategy that tackles various interconnected aspects, empowering deprived communities and accelerating the pace of sustainable economic development.

(The writer is a senior journalist, columnist and author. The views expressed are strictly his personal)