Poverty as a Challenge

 

Poverty as a Challenge

MCQs (50) –

1.      Poverty refers to a situation of
A. Only low income
B. Hunger and lack of shelter
C. Unemployment only
D. Inflation
Answer: B

2.      Which organisation estimates National Multidimensional Poverty Index in India?
A. World Bank
B. UNDP
C. NITI Aayog
D. IMF
Answer: C

3.      Poverty is considered a
A. One-dimensional problem
B. Political problem
C. Multidimensional problem
D. Regional problem
Answer: C

4.      Which of the following is NOT an indicator of poverty?
A. Income
B. Health
C. Education
D. Religion
Answer: D

5.      The official poverty line is based mainly on
A. Savings
B. Income or consumption
C. Assets only
D. Employment
Answer: B

6.      Which calorie requirement is used for rural areas in India?
A. 2000 calories
B. 2100 calories
C. 2200 calories
D. 2400 calories
Answer: D

7.      Calorie requirement for urban areas is
A. 2400
B. 2300
C. 2100
D. 2000
Answer: C

8.      Poverty line varies with
A. Place and time
B. Age and gender
C. Caste and religion
D. Government policy only
Answer: A

9.      Head Count Ratio refers to
A. Total population
B. Number of workers
C. Proportion of poor
D. Growth rate
Answer: C

10.  Which group is most vulnerable to poverty?
A. Government employees
B. Scheduled Tribes
C. Industrialists
D. Professionals
Answer: B

11.  Urban poor are mostly engaged as
A. Teachers
B. Engineers
C. Casual labourers
D. Farmers
Answer: C

12.  Social exclusion means
A. Low income
B. Exclusion from social equality
C. Illiteracy
D. Unemployment
Answer: B

13.  Vulnerability refers to
A. Poverty measurement
B. Risk of becoming poor
C. Income inequality
D. Urbanisation
Answer: B

14.  Which sector employs the largest number of poor in rural India?
A. Industry
B. Services
C. Agriculture
D. Mining
Answer: C

15.  Poverty in India declined significantly after
A. 1950s
B. 1960s
C. 1980s
D. 1970s
Answer: C

16.  Which act guarantees 100 days of employment?
A. PMGSY
B. MGNREGA
C. PMJDY
D. PMUY
Answer: B

17.  MGNREGA was implemented in
A. 2001
B. 2003
C. 2005
D. 2007
Answer: C

18.  One-third jobs under MGNREGA are reserved for
A. SC
B. ST
C. Women
D. Disabled
Answer: C

19.  Which scheme provides mid-day meals?
A. PMUY
B. PM Poshan
C. PMJDY
D. PMAY
Answer: B

20.  Poverty in India was high due to colonial rule because of
A. Industrial growth
B. Handicraft destruction
C. High wages
D. Export promotion
Answer: B

21.  Green Revolution mainly benefited
A. All states
B. Industrial sector
C. Some regions
D. Urban areas
Answer: C

22.  Which state focused on human resource development to reduce poverty?
A. Bihar
B. Kerala
C. Rajasthan
D. Odisha
Answer: B

23.  Land reforms helped reduce poverty in
A. Punjab
B. Gujarat
C. West Bengal
D. Haryana
Answer: C

24.  Which indicator is included in MPI?
A. Bank account
B. Religion
C. Language
D. Political view
Answer: A

25.  Cooking fuel deprivation includes use of
A. LPG
B. Electricity
C. Cow dung
D. Biogas
Answer: C

26.  Housing deprivation refers to
A. Small houses
B. Temporary houses
C. Poor quality materials
D. Rented houses
Answer: C

27.  World Bank poverty line is based on
A. Rupees
B. Pound
C. Dollar
D. Euro
Answer: C

28.  Global poverty line is set at
A. $1/day
B. $2.15/day
C. $3/day
D. $5/day
Answer: B

29.  Which country has almost eliminated extreme poverty?
A. India
B. Brazil
C. China
D. Nigeria
Answer: C

30.  Largest concentration of global poor is in
A. Europe
B. North America
C. Sub-Saharan Africa
D. Australia
Answer: C

31.  Poverty reduction is linked with
A. Inflation
B. Economic growth
C. Population growth
D. Migration
Answer: B

32.  Income inequality is caused by
A. Equal distribution
B. Unequal land ownership
C. High savings
D. Education
Answer: B

33.  Which is a cause of rural poverty?
A. Over-employment
B. Landlessness
C. High wages
D. Industrialisation
Answer: B

34.  Indebtedness is
A. Only effect of poverty
B. Only cause of poverty
C. Both cause and effect
D. Unrelated to poverty
Answer: C

35.  Poverty is also a problem of
A. Lack of confidence
B. Ill-treatment
C. Helplessness
D. All of these
Answer: D

36.  SDG Goal 1 relates to
A. Health
B. Education
C. No Poverty
D. Gender Equality
Answer: C

37.  Sustainable Development Goals aim to be achieved by
A. 2025
B. 2030
C. 2035
D. 2040
Answer: B

38.  Which group suffers double disadvantage?
A. Urban rich
B. Rural landowners
C. SC/ST casual labourers
D. Government employees
Answer: C

39.  Human poverty includes
A. Only hunger
B. Lack of income
C. Deprivation in health, education, dignity
D. Unemployment only
Answer: C

40.  Casual labour households are mostly found in
A. Service sector
B. Agriculture and urban informal sector
C. Government sector
D. Banking
Answer: B

41.  Which scheme provides LPG connections?
A. PMAY
B. PMUY
C. PMJDY
D. PMFBY
Answer: B

42.  PMUY mainly benefits
A. Children
B. Elderly
C. Women
D. Farmers
Answer: C

43.  Poverty line is an
A. Real line
B. Imaginary line
C. International border
D. Census line
Answer: B

44.  Poverty in cities increased due to
A. Migration
B. Urban planning
C. Industrialisation
D. Education
Answer: A

45.  Which indicator is related to education in MPI?
A. Literacy only
B. School attendance
C. College education
D. Skill training
Answer: B

46.  Which group is least vulnerable to poverty?
A. Casual labourers
B. Scheduled Tribes
C. Salaried employees
D. Agricultural labourers
Answer: C

47.  Poor families often suffer from
A. Over-nutrition
B. Under-nutrition
C. Luxury diseases
D. Obesity
Answer: B

48.  Poverty estimation helps government to
A. Increase taxes
B. Identify beneficiaries
C. Reduce population
D. Stop migration
Answer: B

49.  Which is NOT an anti-poverty measure?
A. Economic growth
B. Targeted programmes
C. Inflation
D. Employment generation
Answer: C

50.  Poverty reduction leads to
A. Inequality
B. Human development
C. Exploitation
D. Population growth
Answer: B

 

 

 

30 Short Type Questions with Answers

1.                   What is poverty?
Poverty is a condition in which people are unable to fulfil their basic needs like food, shelter, clothing, education and health care.

2.                   Why is poverty called a multidimensional problem?
Because it includes lack of income, education, health, shelter, sanitation, dignity and opportunities.

3.                   Who estimates Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) in India?
NITI Aayog estimates MPI in India.

4.                   What is poverty line?
Poverty line is an imaginary line used to identify people who cannot meet minimum basic needs.

5.                   On what basis was poverty line earlier estimated in India?
On minimum calorie intake, food, clothing, shelter, education and medical needs.

6.                   What is calorie requirement for rural areas?
2400 calories per person per day.

7.                   What is calorie requirement for urban areas?
2100 calories per person per day.

8.                   What is Head Count Ratio (HCR)?
It is the proportion of people living below the poverty line.

9.                   What is social exclusion?
Social exclusion means denying certain groups equal access to opportunities and facilities.

10.               What is vulnerability to poverty?
It refers to the greater risk of some groups becoming poor due to social and economic factors.

11.               Name two most vulnerable social groups in India.
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

12.               Name two most vulnerable economic groups in India.
Rural agricultural labourers and urban casual labourers.

13.               How did British rule contribute to poverty in India?
By destroying traditional industries and discouraging industrial development.

14.               What was the impact of Green Revolution on poverty?
It created jobs but benefited only some regions.

15.               Why is poverty high in rural areas?
Due to landlessness, unemployment and dependence on agriculture.

16.               What is human poverty?
Human poverty refers to deprivation in health, education, dignity and opportunities, not just income.

17.               What is the World Bank poverty line?
Living on less than $2.15 per person per day.

18.               Name one country where poverty has declined sharply.
China.

19.               What is MGNREGA?
It is a law that provides 100 days of wage employment to rural households.

20.               When was MGNREGA implemented?
In 2005.

21.               Mention one objective of MGNREGA.
To provide livelihood security in rural areas.

22.               What is PM Poshan Scheme?
It provides nutritious meals to school children to improve health and enrolment.

23.               How does economic growth help in reducing poverty?
It creates employment and increases income opportunities.

24.               What role does education play in poverty reduction?
Education improves skills and income opportunities.

25.               Why do poor people fall into debt easily?
Due to lack of savings and dependence on high-interest loans.

26.               What is income inequality?
Unequal distribution of income among people.

27.               Name one anti-poverty strategy of the government.
Targeted poverty alleviation programmes.

28.               What is the aim of Sustainable Development Goal 1?
To end poverty in all its forms everywhere.

29.               Why is poverty reduction still a challenge in India?
Due to inequality, regional disparities and vulnerable social groups.

30.               Give one reason why poverty definition changes over time.
Because living standards and social needs change with development.

 

 

 

20 Long Type Questions with Point-wise Answers

1. Explain the meaning of poverty.

• Inability to satisfy basic needs
• Includes hunger and malnutrition
• Lack of shelter and clothing
• Absence of education and health care
• Living with helplessness and insecurity

 

2. Why is poverty considered a multidimensional problem?

• Low income
• Poor health and nutrition
• Lack of education
• Inadequate housing and sanitation
• Social exclusion and vulnerability

 

3. Explain poverty through urban and rural cases.

• Urban poverty: casual labour, slums, low income
• Rural poverty: landlessness, irregular work
• Poor health and nutrition
• Lack of education
• No job security

 

4. How do social scientists analyse poverty?

• Income and consumption levels
• Health indicators
• Education indicators
• Living standard indicators
• Social exclusion and vulnerability

 

5. Explain the concept of Poverty Line.

• Imaginary line to identify poor
• Based on minimum consumption needs
• Varies with time and place
• Different for rural and urban areas
• Revised periodically due to price rise

 

6. Describe the calorie requirements used in poverty estimation.

• Rural areas: 2400 calories per day
• Urban areas: 2100 calories per day
• Based on physical work
• Converted into monetary value
• Used to estimate poverty line

 

7. What is Head Count Ratio (HCR)?

• Proportion of poor population
• Measures extent of poverty
• Used in poverty estimates
• Helps comparison over time
• Indicates success of policies

 

8. Explain Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI).

• Developed by NITI Aayog
• Measures non-income poverty
• Covers health, education, living standard
• Uses 12 indicators
• Complements income-based poverty

 

9. List and explain any five indicators of MPI.

• Nutrition – undernourishment
• School attendance – children not attending school
• Cooking fuel – use of traditional fuels
• Sanitation – lack of toilets
• Electricity – no electricity access

 

10. What is social exclusion?

• Denial of equal opportunities
• Based on caste and class
• Restricts access to resources
• Causes long-term poverty
• More damaging than low income

 

11. Explain vulnerability to poverty.

• Higher risk of becoming poor
• Affects SC, ST, widows, disabled
• Due to lack of assets
• More affected by disasters
• Limited coping capacity

 

12. Describe poverty trends in India since 1993.

• Decline in poverty ratio
• Slow reduction in 1990s
• Faster decline after 2000
• Significant MPI reduction after 2015
• Rural poverty declined faster

 

13. Explain inter-state disparities in poverty.

• Poverty varies across states
• Kerala, Tamil Nadu – low poverty
• Bihar, UP – higher poverty earlier
• Different development strategies
• Human development reduces poverty

 

14. Which social groups are most vulnerable to poverty?

• Scheduled Castes
• Scheduled Tribes
• Landless labourers
• Casual workers
• Women and elderly in poor families

 

15. Explain global poverty scenario.

• World Bank uses $2.15/day line
• Poverty declined globally
• China reduced poverty drastically
• Sub-Saharan Africa has highest poor
• Regional inequality exists

 

16. Discuss major causes of poverty in India.

• Colonial exploitation
• Low economic growth
• Population growth
• Unequal land distribution
• Indebtedness

 

17. Explain the role of economic growth in poverty reduction.

• Creates employment
• Increases income
• Expands opportunities
• Promotes education
• Improves living standards

 

18. Describe Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

• Launched in 2005
• Guarantees 100 days employment
• Rural household focused
• One-third jobs for women
• Ensures livelihood security

 

19. Explain PM Poshan Scheme.

• Provides nutritious meals
• Targets classes I to VIII
• Improves enrolment
• Reduces dropouts
• Enhances child nutrition

 

20. What do you understand by human poverty?

• Beyond income poverty
• Lack of education
• Poor health care
• No job security
• Absence of dignity and equality

 

 

15 Assertion–Reason Questions

Directions:
Each question has two statements:
Assertion (A) and Reason (R).
Choose the correct option:
A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
C. A is true but R is false
D. A is false but R is true

 

1.  A: Poverty in India is considered a multidimensional problem.
R: Poverty includes deprivation in health, education and standard of living.
Answer: A

 

2. A: Poverty line is the same for all countries.
R: Each country uses poverty line according to its level of development.
Answer: D

 

3. A: Rural poverty is higher than urban poverty in India.
R: Rural areas depend heavily on agriculture with seasonal employment.
Answer: A

 

4. A: Scheduled Tribes are among the most vulnerable groups to poverty.
R: They suffer from social exclusion and lack of resources.
Answer: A

 

5. A: Social exclusion can be both a cause and consequence of poverty.
R: It denies certain groups access to equal opportunities.
Answer: A

 

6. A: The calorie requirement for rural areas is higher than urban areas.
R: Rural people generally perform more physical labour.
Answer: A

 

7. A: Poverty ratio declined in India but the number of poor remained high for some time.
R: Population growth was very high during that period.
Answer: A

 

8. A: Economic growth alone can eliminate poverty completely.
R: Poor people may not benefit equally from economic growth.
Answer: D

 

9. A: Head Count Ratio measures the proportion of people below poverty line.
R: It helps in estimating the extent of poverty.
Answer: A

 

10. A: Multidimensional Poverty Index measures poverty only on income basis.
R: It includes indicators related to health, education and living standards.
Answer: D

 

11. A: MGNREGA helps in reducing rural poverty.
R: It provides 100 days of guaranteed wage employment.
Answer: A

 

12. A: Vulnerability to poverty is higher among socially disadvantaged groups.
R: These groups have limited access to assets, education and jobs.
Answer: A

 

13. A: Global poverty has declined over the years.
R: Rapid economic growth in countries like China reduced poverty.
Answer: A

 

14. A: Unequal distribution of land is a cause of poverty in India.
R: Land reforms were effectively implemented in all states.
Answer: C

 

15. A: Human poverty is broader than income poverty.
R: It includes lack of dignity, education, health and opportunities.
Answer: A

 

 

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