COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Approach

• Introduction
  • Presently, India grapples with significant inequalities and widespread poverty, posing significant challenges to its overall development and well-being.
• Body
  • The COVID-19 pandemic deepened existing class inequalities and poverty, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities, especially daily wage earners, migrant workers, and those in the informal sector.
• In conclusion, addressing these persistent issues necessitates a multi-pronged approach, including inclusive economic policies, improved access to education and healthcare, and the development of a resilient social safety net to mitigate the impacts of future crises.

Introduction

Prior to the pandemic, inequality was markedly high, causing social and political unrest globally. The 2019 Oxfam report highlighted that in India, the top 1% possessed 51.53% of the national wealth, leaving the remaining 99% with only around 48%.

Nevertheless, the Inequality Virus Report from Oxfam International reveals that the Covid-19 crisis significantly exacerbated pre-existing inequalities in India and across the globe.

Body

Effect of the Pandemic on Class Disparities & Poverty

• India introduced one of the earliest and most stringent lockdowns in the face of the pandemic, bringing the economy to a standstill.
• The lockdown triggered unemployment, hunger, distress migration, and untold hardship.
• The rich managed to escape the pandemic’s worst impact, while white-collar workers isolated themselves and worked from home.
• A majority of not-so-fortunate Indians, particularly migrant workers, lost their livelihoods.
• India’s large informal workforce, constituting 75% of the 122 million jobs lost, was the worst affected.
• Unemployment among women rose from 15% before Covid to 18%.
• Poorer women suffered health-wise due to disruptions in regular health services and Anganwadi centers.
• A study by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) projected that an additional 207 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty by 2030 due to the long-term impact of the pandemic, potentially surpassing a billion people living in extreme poverty worldwide.

Conclusion

To counter the detrimental impacts of Covid-19, the government initiated the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana and the Atma-Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. Nevertheless, reversing the consequences of the pandemic is undoubtedly a long-term endeavor.

To complete UPSC Polity Notes, Click Here

Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel HERE
Follow our Instagram ID HERE