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I. Chapter Summary:
This chapter explores the issue of poverty in India , highlighting its multidimensional nature — not just lack of income but also denial of basic needs like food, clothing, shelter, education, and health. It explains ways to measure poverty , causes of poverty, poverty trends , and government anti-poverty programs . It also connects the concept to social exclusion and vulnerability .
II. Key Concepts Covered:
Concept
Explanation
Poverty Line
Minimum income level required to fulfill basic needs; measured in ₹/day.
Social Exclusion
Poor people are excluded from regular living patterns and opportunities.
Vulnerability
Risk of poverty due to lack of resources, education, social disadvantages.
Indicators of Poverty
Nutrition, literacy, access to healthcare, shelter, sanitation, etc.
Poverty Estimates
BPL data (Below Poverty Line), NSSO surveys, and Tendulkar Method.
Inter-state Disparities
Poverty rates differ among states—Bihar, Odisha high; Kerala, Punjab low.
Global Poverty Scenario
Countries like Sub-Saharan Africa have high poverty levels.
Causes of Poverty
Colonial legacy, unemployment, low productivity, inequality, illiteracy.
Anti-Poverty Programs
MNREGA, PMAY, PDS, PM-Garib Kalyan Yojana, etc.
III. Important Questions:
(A) Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark):
Which country has the largest single concentration of poor in the world? a) China b) India ✅ c) Brazil d) Russia
Who conducts large sample surveys for poverty estimates in India? a) RBI b) NABARD c) NSSO ✅ d) SEBI
Which program guarantees 100 days of wage employment in a year? a) PMAY b) SGSY c) MNREGA ✅ d) RLEGP
Poverty line in urban India (2022–23) is estimated around: a) ₹200/day b) ₹270/day ✅ c) ₹350/day d) ₹500/day
(B) Short Answer Questions (2/3 Marks):
Define poverty. How is it measured in India?
What is meant by social exclusion?
State two major causes of poverty in India.
Why are women and children more vulnerable to poverty?
(C) Long Answer Questions (5 Marks):
Explain the global poverty trends from 1990 to 2020.
What are the major causes of poverty in India?
How do current government schemes aim to reduce poverty?
Compare inter-state disparities in poverty levels in India.
(D) HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills):
Despite several schemes, poverty persists. Suggest innovative solutions that focus on long-term impact.
How does education empower individuals to break out of poverty?
IV. Key Formulas/Concepts:
Poverty Line Calculation (Tendulkar Committee): Based on consumption expenditure.
Per Capita Daily Calorie Intake:
Rural: 2400 kcal/day
Urban: 2100 kcal/day
BPL Criteria: Updated regularly by committees and NSSO data.
V. Deleted Portions (CBSE 2025–2026):
No portions have been deleted from this chapter as per the rationalized NCERT textbooks (2025–26).
VI. Chapter-Wise Marks Bifurcation (Estimated – CBSE 2025–26):
Unit/Chapter
Estimated Marks
Type of Questions Typically Asked
Poverty as a Challenge
4–6 Marks
Short answers, map-based, reasoning questions
VII. Previous Year Questions (PYQs):
Year
Marks
Question
2019
3
Mention three major causes of poverty in India.
2020
5
What measures has the Indian government taken to reduce poverty?
2021
3
Explain the concept of vulnerability in relation to poverty.
2023
2
State any two indicators used to measure poverty.
VIII. Real-World Application Examples to Connect with Topics:
Concept
Real-World Connection
Social Exclusion
Manual scavengers, street children, landless labourers often excluded socially
MNREGA
Rural workers in drought-prone areas receiving wage employment
Poverty Mapping
Used in programs like PM Garib Kalyan Yojana to distribute aid efficiently
Public Distribution System (PDS)
Ensures food security through ration shops for BPL families
IX. Student Tips & Strategies for Success (Class-Specific):
Time Management:
Allocate fixed 30 minutes every alternate day for Economics revision.
Use flowcharts for causes, indicators, and government schemes.
Exam Strategy:
Support answers with data and program names .
Practice case-based and data interpretation questions.
Stress Management:
Use examples of real people (e.g., rural migrants) to humanize your learning.
Take breaks and revise in groups using quiz apps.
X. Career Guidance & Exploration (Class-Specific):
Stream
Career Options Related to This Chapter
Humanities
Public Policy, Development Studies, NGO Work, Civil Services
Commerce
Economist, Statistician, Government Analyst
Science
Data Science in Rural Analytics, Agricultural Economics
Exams/Competitions:
NTSE , Olympiads (Social Science) , CBSE Board Exam
Encourage awareness of SDG 1: No Poverty from UN Goals
XI. Important Notes:
Don’t memorize definitions only—apply the concepts to Indian context.
Use government websites like nrega.nic.in and pib.gov.in for updated schemes.
Practice case-based and assertion-reason questions as per the latest CBSE format.
Include stats or examples to make answers stand out.