Correct Option
The correct option is 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
The critical assessment of poverty alleviation programmes in India focuses on the administrative, institutional, and social challenges that prevent the effective utilization of resources and the realization of intended benefits for the poor.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: A major criticism of poverty alleviation programmes is that government officials are not immune to pressure from local elites. In reality, they are often susceptible to influence by powerful local groups, which leads to the diversion of resources and benefits away from the genuine poor (a phenomenon often termed as "elite capture").
- Statement 2 is Correct: The administrative machinery responsible for implementing these schemes is often cited as a weak link. Officials are frequently found to be ill-motivated, inadequately trained, and prone to corruption, which significantly contributes to the inefficient use of allocated resources.
- Statement 3 is Correct: A fundamental flaw identified in many programmes is the lack of active participation of the poor in the growth process. The "top-down" approach often fails to empower the poor or address their specific needs, resulting in a disconnect between the scheme's design and the ground reality.
Key Takeaway: The inefficiency in poverty alleviation programmes stems from administrative lapses (poor training, motivation), structural issues (lack of participation), and susceptibility to external pressures (elite capture), rather than administrative immunity.