Economic growth and targeted programmes.
Explanation
The Government of India's approach to poverty reduction has evolved over the decades. The current strategy, as articulated in various policy documents and economic surveys, relies on two distinct but complementary planks: the promotion of rapid economic growth and the implementation of targeted anti-poverty programmes.
Detailed Analysis:
- Economic growth and targeted programmes. is Correct:
- Promotion of Economic Growth: Higher economic growth rates are expected to widen opportunities and provide the fiscal resources needed to invest in human development. This plank operates on the premise that the benefits of growth will eventually reach all sections of society (often referred to as the trickle-down effect).
- Targeted Anti-Poverty Programmes: Acknowledging that the benefits of growth may not reach the poorest sections immediately or equitably, the government implements specific schemes (such as MGNREGA, NRLM, and PMAY) to address poverty directly through employment generation, asset creation, and social security.
- Industrial expansion and urban growth. is Incorrect: While industrial expansion and urban growth are components of economic development, they are sectors within the economy rather than the broad strategic pillars of the anti-poverty framework.
- External investment and trade promotion. is Incorrect: External investment and trade promotion are mechanisms to achieve economic growth, but they do not constitute the overarching strategy for poverty alleviation itself.
- Demographic control and land redistribution. is Incorrect: Land redistribution was a primary focus during the initial decades of planning (1950s–1970s). While demographic stability is a long-term goal, the current operational strategy for poverty elimination focuses on growth combined with welfare schemes.
Key Takeaway:
The current Indian anti-poverty strategy is a dual approach combining economic growth (to generate resources and opportunities) with targeted schemes (to directly assist vulnerable populations).